Health Ministry Issues Iodine Tablets To Thais Enroute To Japan

[webfact]

Health ministry issues iodine tablets to Thais enroute to Japan

BANGKOK, March 16 - Thailand's Ministry of Public Health will give iodine pills to all Thais travelling to Japan from Thursday at the country's international airports to protect from the radioactivity released from quake-hit Japanese nuclear power plants.

Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said 15,000 iodine pills will be distributed to Thai passengers who will depart for Japan at Suvarnabhumi and Phuket International Airports from tomorrow.

Permanent-Secretary for Public Health Dr Paichai Varachit said the country’s newly-set up operations centre on Japan's natural disaster will advise Thai nationals planning to visit northern Japan on staying safe from radiation including regular body and hand washing and avoiding outdoor activities.

Dr Paichit said those who return from Japan must also complete a questionnaire on arrival about their state of health so that they can monitor if and how they have been affected by the radiation crisis there.

The official however asserted that the two measures are introduced for the benefit of the travellers themselves.

Although radiation particles are detected in their bodies, they will not transmit the radioactive iodines to other people, he said.

Meanwhile, the Medical Council of Thailand on Wednesday announced it is recruiting Thai doctors to be dispatched to help earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan, but warned the public not to overdose on the iodine tablets.

Council president Amnat Kusalanant said after discussing possible further medical assistance from Thailand with Japanese embassy officials in Bangkok that the council has launched a new website www.tmc.or.th to recruit volunteer Thai doctors to Japan.

Those who want to go there should be able to communicate in Japanese well and now ten Thai doctors have registered for the mission, according to Dr Amnat.

Thailand will also issue a warning on the overuse of iodine pills to prevent radiation particles as Thailand still does not need to use them as it is too far from the affected areas, said the president.

Dr Amnat explained that those who do not get the radiation but take the pills might have an adverse reaction for iodine overdose.

Group Captain Niwat Intravichien from the Directorate of Medical Service, the Royal Thai Air Force, on Wednesday said C130 transport aircraft will depart Thailand for Japan 10pm Thursday to take Thai nationals back home. So far 200 people have informed they want to return home.

The second flight will leave Thailand Friday night, said Gr Capt Niwat, adding the operation is under the supervision of the Thai foreign ministry.

In the latest official figures, the death toll from destructive quake and tsunami mounted to 3,676 and 7,558 people were missing. In Miyagi prefecture alone, some 10,000 are feared dead as it is the hardest-hit area. (MCOT, agencies)

-- TNA 2011-03-16

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WHO Warns against Use of Potassium Iodide

Fears of leaked radiation following the explosions at nuclear power plants in quake-ravaged Japan have raised questions about the safety of taking potassium iodide pills.

The World Health Organization has warned the public against self-medicating.

In wake of explosions at nuclear power plants in Japan after the powerful earthquake last week, there has been a rush to stock up on potassium iodide tablets as residents fear radiation contamination.

The World Health Organization, or WHO, has cautioned people not to panic after there were reports about soaring price for potassium iodide tablets, which have been sold for as high as 540 US dollars, or 16,200 baht, per 14 pill package.

WHO suggested that the decision whether to take potassium iodide tablets should be recommended by doctors or health officials as potassium iodide is not radiation antidote and cannot prevent health hazards from radioactive substances.

It may also cause medical complications for some individuals, including pregnant women.

WHO also warned against taking liquid potassium iodide which is normally used as an antiseptic.

Potassium iodide is a common form of salt that can protect the thyroid gland from radiation and some types of cancer caused by radioactive iodine.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-16

[bangon04]

OK, just take a few different types of antibiotics then, as usual. The yellow ones are the nicest colour.

Resale value of the Iodine tablets?

Huge potential market here for fake Iodine tablets...

Amusing Thailand.

Edited March 16, 2011 by bangon04

[webfact]

Thailand to give iodine pills to Japan-bound flyers

BANGKOK, March 16, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand's public health ministry said Wednesday that it would hand out free iodine tablets to passengers at airports where jets are departing for disaster-stricken Japan.

Fears about harmful nuclear contamination are growing after a series of explosions, fires and radiation leaks at a nuclear facility on Japan's northeastern coast, following Friday's massive earthquake and tsunami.

"I have already ordered the government pharmaceutical organisation to produce back-up iodine tablets for special purposes," said a ministry statement.

"Initially, we will produce 15,000 tablets to distribute for free at the airports which have flights from Thailand to Japan, such as Suvarnabhumi airport (in Bangkok) and Phuket airport, starting tomorrow," it said.

"But we will screen and give only to passengers who are travelling to the risk area in northern Japan."

The ministry warned against all but necessary travel to the area, also saying it would offer advice and screenings to those returning to Thailand from Japan.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-03-16

[Soutpeel]

"Thailand will also issue a warning on the overuse of iodine pills to prevent radiation particles"

Just bad English ? or mis-information....iodine tablets do not prevent or protect against "radiation particles".......Iodine tablets are taken to try and protect the thyriod gland against a specific form of radiation..namely iodine 131 and only needs to be taken within 3-4 hours of possible exposure to iodine 131.

potassium iodide is not a "magic bullet" which will stop "radiation particles" or radiation exposure...

[bangon04]

"Thailand will also issue a warning on the overuse of iodine pills to prevent radiation particles"

Just bad English ? or mis-information....iodine tablets do not prevent or protect against "radiation particles".......Iodine tablets are taken to try and protect the thyriod gland against a specific form of radiation..namely iodine 131 and only needs to be taken within 3-4 hours of possible exposure to iodine 131.

potassium iodide is not a "magic bullet" which will stop "radiation particles" or radiation exposure...

Just like overuse of antibiotics does not prevent (or even mitigate) viral infections. But that little fact does not deter some (many) Thai doctors. Iodine (Iodide) is something they don;t usually get to prescribe, so a bit of a novelty. Who owns the major manufacturers of Iodine (Iodide) medicines in Thailand, by the way?

[bangon04]

Or maybe the government could just provide Bromide tablets for all Thai men, and tell them it will protect them from radiation.

[bangon04]

Is it true that Nori (the wrapping around sushi) is actually a good source of iodine? If this is true, then many Japanese people will have iodine in their diet and will have more protection than average for the hemisphere.

Maybe someone who knows can confirm this?

[BarnicaleBob]

If someone were to be stupid enough to enter a radioactive zone they could take the pills just before doing so but the effect of the pills wares off within 48 hours. So anyone taking the pills with out expecting exposure within less than 48 hours is wasting a pill and needlessly putting them self at risk of become ill from taking the pill.

[PoeDogg]

Anyone one know where I can buy these pills?

Went to a couple of pharmacies and they didn't know what I was talking about.....even showed them a picture.

[Soutpeel]

Anyone one know where I can buy these pills?

Went to a couple of pharmacies and they didn't know what I was talking about.....even showed them a picture.

Why...you dont need them unless you are going to Japan.... and you shouldnt be taking them if you havent been prescribed them

please tell you are not thinking of selling them on ebay ?

Edited March 17, 2011 by Soutpeel

[PoeDogg]

Maybe I'm going to Japan.....

Now, do you know where I can buy them or are you just being nosy?

[PoeDogg]

Are YOU selling them on ebay and don't want the compitition?

[Soutpeel]

Maybe I'm going to Japan.....

Now, do you know where I can buy them or are you just being nosy?

Well if you are going to Japan...you can get then at the airport before your board your plane and dont need to buy them...

[Soutpeel]

Are YOU selling them on ebay and don't want the compitition?

Naah....dont need to be an internet "businessman" to try and support my life in Thailand, do quite nicely the way things are....