The 10th anniversary of this disaster is a reminder to review the availability, accessibility, and dosing of potassium iodide.

In the midst of a global health pandemic, it’s difficult to imagine focusing on the seemingly more nebulous threat of a nuclear accident. Yet the 10th anniversary of Japan’s Fukushima nuclear disaster on March 11, which occurred following an earthquake and tsunami, serves as an important reminder of the unexpectedness of these events and the need for greater preparedness, especially among health care providers.

Climate threats to nuclear plants raise concerns.

“More than one-third of Americans live or work within 50 miles of a nuclear power plant,” the authors of the February issue’s Environments and Health article, “Lessons from Fukushima: Potassium Iodide After a Nuclear Disaster,” point out (the article will be free until March 21).

As the frigid weather last month in Texas demonstrated, sources of power are particularly vulnerable to severe weather events. This threat is especially acute for U.S. nuclear power plants, many of which are situated in areas, such as along the East Coast, susceptible to extreme weather. Hurricanes in the Atlantic, for instance, have been occurring more frequently and intensely in recent years.

Concern that such climate change events could lead to a nuclear accident has heightened awareness of the need for preparation.

Ensuring potassium iodide availability as a public health preventive measure.

Potassium-iodide-3D-ionic/ image via Wikpedia

Nuclear disasters like the one that occurred at Fukushima lead to radiation—including radioactive iodine (iodine 131)—exposure. Air, crops, fish, plants, and milk can be contaminated, causing immediate and long-term human health threats.

The authors note: “The use of KI [potassium iodide] is an important public health preventive measure during and after a radiation release event. KI can help to block [iodine 131] from being absorbed by the thyroid, thus protecting the gland from radiation injury.”

Yet, they point out, KI is not always available, accessible, or dosed appropriately. During both the Fukushima disaster and Three Mile Island nuclear accident in Pennsylvania in 1979, they say, there were noted problems with KI stockpiling, distribution, and administration—highlighting the importance of readiness.

What nurses need to know.

Because nuclear disasters can occur without warning, the authors insist all nurses “should be knowledgeable about radiation, exposure effects, radiation testing, and risk-communication strategies.” Those living or working within a nuclear power plant’s emergency planning zones, which designate areas for evacuation, contaminated food restrictions, and prophylaxis intervention, should be involved in preparedness efforts. This includes:

  • Participating in preincident planning and the development of risk-based evacuation scenarios to identify populations at risk for iodine 131 exposure.
  • Knowing how to instruct and communicate with local populations about evacuation and the location of shelters.
  • Becoming familiar with the administration of KI and availability of provisions, such as uncontaminated food, water, and milk

“The importance of accurate information about 131I exposure and the need for KI dosing as soon as possible, especially in vulnerable populations, cannot be understated,” the authors conclude. “Accurate information concerning the importance of dosing prior to an event can reduce disinformation and the reluctance of those at highest risk” from exposure.