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Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident (2004)

Chapter: Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans

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Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
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APPENDIX D
ILLUSTRATION OF PROCESS FOR EVALUATING KI DISTRIBUTION PLANS

Template for Evaluation of KI Plans

This appendix shows a process that a local region could use to evaluate the four sample distribution plans against the objectives for a hypothetical plant site. The aim is to demonstrate a process, not to identify a best distribution approach.

Example Sites

Three hypothetical stylized examples of local regions surrounding nuclear power plants are given here (Tables D.1-3). Each local region will be called the KI Planning Zone (KIPZ). This term is used in place of the commonly used Emergency Planning Zone term, because existing plans set specific distances for the radius of such zones (for example, the 10-mile EPZ), and this process is meant to be generic for whatever plans are considered, with possibly different geographic areas. The regions will be characterized by features that affect performance of a KI plan on the objectives.

Urban: The KIPZ has a large, highly concentrated, permanent population that is increased by 25% during the week from the influx of large numbers of workers and families from the surrounding area. The transportation network, which also contains major interstate highways, is barely able to handle this daily ebb and flow. The area contains three major hospitals (one associated with a university), a

Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×

jail, and a school system with a total enrollment of 100,000. The KIPZ itself is contained within one political jurisdiction, but it borders several other jurisdictions, including a neighboring state. The most severe weather threats come from potential hurricanes in the fall and ice storms in the winter.

Suburban: This KIPZ contains two rapidly developing counties that are on the outer fringes of a major metropolitan area. It is populated primarily by a mixture of young families, drawn by the comparatively open spaces and lower housing prices, and retirees. Many of the working-age adults are employed outside the KIPZ. The school systems of the counties are expanding to accommodate the growing number of children, but the school facilities are widely dispersed, and there is extensive daily busing of students. Day care for preschool children is a booming business. The largest employer in the KIPZ is a Department of Defense facility with 6,000 military and civilian employees. The second-largest is the NPP itself. Each county has a hospital and a penal facility. The KIPZ also contains a large assisted-living and nursing-home facility with 200 residents. There are two interstate-quality roads in the KIPZ that parallel each other; the remainders are primarily rural two-lane roads. The most important severe weather is occasional major snowstorms.

Rural: This KIPZ is contained in one county that is overwhelmingly agricultural, and is predominantly covered by dairy farms. The thinly-distributed population numbers about 15,000 and is generally middle-aged, with a smaller number of children per household than the national average. The schools are small, and there is extensive busing of the students. The road system is basically two-lane and farm roads, but it is estimated that the entire KIPZ can be evacuated in less than 3 hours under normal conditions. The NPP is the largest employer in the county. The most important natural hazards come from deep winter snows and a river that occasionally floods during the spring thaw, making several of the main roads impassable.

Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×

Table D.1 Urban Site Example

Minimize Radiation Health Risks to Public

Relevant Characteristics of Urban Site Example

A.

Minimize Radioactive Iodine Risk to Thyroid

 

 

a.1.

Maximize KI Availability

 

 

 

a.1.1.

Max. Availability for Children and Pregnant Women Residents

100,000 -student school system

 

 

a.1.2.

Max. Availability for Other Residents

Large resident population

 

 

a.1.3.

Max. Availability for Mobile Population

Population increases by 25% from mobile workers

 

a.2.

Optimize Ability to Take KI on Time

 

 

 

a.2.1.

Max. Number of People who Know Where Pill is

Possible new residents won't be covered by earlier predistribution

 

 

a.2.2.

KI Taken at Optimal Time if No Evacuation

Possible hurricane or ice storms might impeded evacuation

 

 

a.2.3.

KI Taken at Optimal Time if Evacuation

Delays possible if evacuation impededby traffic or weather

 

 

a.2.4.

Ensure KI is Stored to ensure Stability

KI might be stored in cars/wallets

 

a.3.

Minimize Harm from Inappropriate KI Administration

 

 

 

a.3.1.

Correct KI Dosage Given (and Taken) for Age

Large population of children

 

 

a.3.2.

First KI Dosage Not Taken Too Late

Weather or traffic might impede evacuation to KI stockpile site

 

 

a.3.3.

Adverse KI Side Effects (nonthyroid cancer) Minimized

Some pre-existing thyroid cases in large population of older adults or mobile workers

B.

Minimize Harm from Other Aspects of Incident

 

 

b.1.

KI Procedures Don't Impede Evacuation

Transport network barely able to handle routine peak loads

 

b.2.

Avert Mortality and Morbidity from Radiation or Accidents

Transport network barely able to handle routine peak loads

 

b.3.

Minimize Panic/ Anxiety due to KI Procedures

Large crowds possible

 

b.4.

KI Procedures' Resource Use Not Excessive

Large population to cover for KI/ predistribution and communication costs

 

b.5.

Simple KI Procedures before and during Incident

Multiple nearby jurisdictions

 

b.6.

Educate Public to Respond to Nuclear Incident

Emergency planning zone in one political jurisdiction

*Assume all plans will stockpile KI at schools, hospitals, and jails in KI Planning Zone (KIPZ)

Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×

Table D.2 Suburban Site Example

Minimize Radiation Health Risks to Public

Relevant Characteristics of Suburban Site Example

A.

Minimize Radioactive Iodine Risk to Thyroid

 

 

a.1.

Maximize KI Availability

 

 

 

a.1.1.

Max. Availability for Children and Pregnant Women Residents

Young families, expanding schools and day care, extensive busing

 

 

a.1.2.

Max. Availability for Other Residents

Many working- age residents employed outside EPZ

 

 

a.1.3.

Max. Availability for Mobile Population

Rapidly developing population, near major metro. area

 

a.2.

Optimize Ability to Take KI on Time

 

 

 

a.2.1.

Max. Number of People who Know Where Pill is

Possible new residents won't be covered by earlier predistribution

 

 

a.2.2.

KI Taken at Optimal Time if No Evacuation

Occasional major snowstorms might impede evacuation

 

 

a.2.3.

KI Taken at Optimal Time if Evacuation

Occasional major snowstorms might impede evacuation

 

 

a.2.4.

Ensure KI is Stored to ensure Stability

KI might be stored in cars or wallets

 

a.3.

Minimize Harm from Inappropriate KI Administration

 

 

 

a.3.1.

Correct KI Dosage Given (and Taken) for Age

Large population of children

 

 

a.3.2.

First KI Dosage Not Taken Too Late

Weather or traffic might impede evacuation to KI stockpile site

 

 

a.3.3.

Adverse KI Side Effects (nonthyroid cancer) Minimized

Some pre-existing thyroid cases in older or retired residents

B.

Minimize Harm from Other Aspects of Incident

 

 

b.1.

KI Procedures Don't Impede Evacuation

Transport network might not be able to handle peak loads

 

b.2.

Avert Mortality and Morbidity from Radiation or Accidents

Buses available for children, two interstates + rural two-lane roads

 

b.3.

Minimize Panic/Anxiety due to KI Procedures

Many day-care facilities, power plant second largest employer

 

b.4.

KI Procedures' Resource Use Not Excessive

Moderate-size population to cover for KI predistribution and communication costs

 

b.5.

Simple KI Procedures before and during Incident

Two counties

 

b.6.

Educate Public to Respond to Nuclear Incident

Emergency planning zone in two counties

*Assume all plans will stockpile KI at schools, hospitals, and jails in KI Planning Zone (KIPZ)

Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×

Table D.3 Rural Site Example

Minimize Radiation Health Risks to Public

Relevant Characteristics of Rural Site Example

A.

Minimize Radioactive Iodine Risk to Thyroid

 

 

a.1.

Maximize KI Availability

 

 

 

a.1.1.

Max. Availability for Children and Pregnant Women Residents

Small schools, extensive busing, few children

 

 

a.1.2.

Max. Availability for Other Residents

Very small resident population of 15,000 in agricultural area

 

 

a.1.3.

Max. Availability for Mobile Population

Power plant largest employer in county

 

a.2.

Optimize Ability to Take KI on Time

 

 

 

a.2.1.

Max. Number of People who Know Where Pill is

Few residents

 

 

a.2.2.

KI Taken at Optimal Time if No Evacuation

Unlikely winter snows or spring river flooding could block main roads

 

 

a.2.3.

KI Taken at Optimal time if Evacuation

Unlikely winter snows or spring river flooding could block main roads

 

 

a.2.4.

Ensure KI is Stored to ensure Stability

KI might be stored in leaky barns

 

a.3.

Minimize Harm from Inappropriate KI Administration

 

 

 

a.3.1.

Correct KI Dosage Given (and Taken) for Age/Body size

Small population of children

 

 

a.3.2.

KI Taken at Optimal Time

Weather or traffic might impede evacuation to KI stockpile site

 

 

a.3.3.

Adverse KI Side Effects Minimized

Small Chance of pre-existing thyroid cases in middle-aged residents

B.

Minimize Harm from Other Aspects of Incident

 

 

b.1.

KI Procedures Don’t Impede Evacuation

Entire KIPZ can normally evacuate in < 3 hours

 

b.2.

Avert Mortality and Morbidity from Radiation or Accidents

Two-lane and farm roads

 

b.3.

Minimize Panic/Anxiety due to KI Procedures

School buses available for children; Power plant largest employer

 

b.4.

KI Procedures’ Resource Use Not Excessive

Small population to cover for KI predistribution and communication costs

 

b.5.

Simple KI Procedures before and during Incident

One county jurisdiction

 

b.6.

Educate Public to Respond Appropriately to Nuclear Plant Incident

Emergency planning zone in one county

Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×

Rating Scale and Weights on Objectives

Once a region has determined how local area characteristics may affect the general performance of plans on objectives (as in the above three examples of an urban, a suburban, and a rural area), different plans can be created and evaluated.

The performance of each KI distribution plan option may be evaluated on the objectives by using descriptive text or on a 0-10 scale, where 10 is best and 0 is minimally acceptable. See the Rating Scale Table D.4 with sample rating scales for the sample objectives. The end points of the rating scale need not be absolute ratings of the best and worst conceivable levels; they can be set to be the best and worst levels attainable with a reasonable set of plan options. For example, for the objective of maximizing the number of people who know where the nearest KI is, “10% of the people knowing” may be the lowest-level rating of 0 and “85% of the people knowing” may receive the highest-level rating of 10 if this is the range for the set of options being considered.

After rating how well each plan does on each objective, an option may appear that is dominant on all objectives, and that option should be seriously considered for implementation by decision-makers. However, it is likely that no plan option will be dominant on all objectives. The relative importance of the different objectives may then need to be examined in more depth. The importance of objectives can be placed in rank order or, more precisely, given importance weights. By convention, weights are normalized to sum to 100%. A theoretically correct way to assess and interpret the meaning of importance weights is to use the swing weight method (Clemen, 1996; von Winterfeldt and Edwards, 1986). The decision-maker should think of a benchmark worst option that scores at the bottom of the rating scale on every objective. The most important objective is the one that the decision-maker would prefer to “swing” to the top of the rating scale first. The question is; If it was possible to meet only one objective completely, and the other objectives would be at their worst level of attainment, which one objective would be chosen to be met? The next-most-important objective is the one that would be chosen second. Note that this approach depends on the

Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×

range between worst and best levels that has been set in the rating scale.

The overall value of an option can be computed by multiplying the weight of an objective by the rating of the plan’s performance on the objective and then summing the products over all objectives. The plan with the highest overall value would be the one that this model recommends be chosen. Sample calculations using a hypothetical set of importance weights on the objectives and sample ratings are shown in Table D.5, for example 1.

Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×

Table D.4 Sample Rating Scales

 

Selected Pointson Rating Scale for Each Objective

 

0

5

10

Minimize Radiation Health Risks to Public

 

 

 

A.

Minimize Radioactive Iodine Risk to Thyroid

 

 

 

 

a.1.

Maximize KI Availability

 

 

 

 

 

a.1.1.

Max. Availability for Children and Pregnant Women Residents

1 dosage/person in stockpile

50% have extra dosage at home now

85% have extra dosage at home now

 

 

a.1.2.

Max. Availability for Other Residents

0 dosages/person in stockpile

10% have extra dosage at home now

25% have extra dosage at home now

 

 

a.1.3.

Max. Availability for Mobile Population

1 dosage/child in stockpile

1 dosage/person in stockpile

25% have extra dosage at mobile location now

 

a.2.

Optimize Ability to Take KI on Time

 

 

 

 

 

a.2.1.

Max. Number of People who Know Where KI is

10% know

50% know

85% know

 

 

a.2.2.

KI Taken at Optimal Time if No Evacuation

2% take timely KI who bought on own

20% take timely predistributed KI

50% take timely predistributed KI

 

 

a.2.3.

KI is Taken at Optimal Time if Evacuation

2% take own + 30% take reception KI

20% take own + 50% take reception KI

50% take own + 40% take reception KI

 

 

a.2.4.

Ensure KI is Stored to ensure Stability

50% of KI stored poorly

20% of KI stored poorly

1% of KI stored poorly

 

a.3.

Minimize Harm from Inappropriate KI Administration

 

 

 

 

 

a.3.1.

Correct KI Dosage Given (and Taken) for Age

90% take KI take wrong dosage

40% take KI take wrong dosage

10% take KI take wrong dosage

 

 

a.3.2.

First KI Dosage Not Taken Too Late

90% take KI take too late

40% take KI too late

10% take KI too late

 

 

a.3.3.

Adverse KI Side Effects (nonthyroid cancer) Minimized

5% side effects

2.5% side effects

0.1% side effects

B.

Minimize Harm from Other Aspects of Incident

 

 

 

 

b.1.

KI Procedures Don’t Impede Evacuation

evacuation slowed by 1 hour/person

Evacuation slowed by 30 min./person

evacuation slowed by 5 min./person

 

b.2.

Avert Mortality and Morbidity from Radiation or Accidents

expect 25 serious (nonthyroid) cases

expect 15 serious cases

expect ≤ 2 serious cases

 

b.3.

Minimize Panic/Anxiety due to KI Procedures

much panic or anxiety due to KI

little panic or anxiety due to KI

no extra panic or anxiety

 

b.4.

KI Procedures’ Resource Use Not Excessive

very costly in labor time and money

somewhat costly in labor time

very inexpensive

 

b.5.

Simple KI Procedures Before and During Incident

Very complicated

some complications

very simple

 

b.6.

Educate Public to Respond to Nuclear Incident

little public understanding

some understanding

much public understanding

Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×

Table D.5. Example 1

Template for Evaluating Plans on Objectives

 

Description of How Well Each Plan

Meets Each Objective (Rate from 0 to 10 = best)

Example 1. Original Weights

Importance Weights (Sum = 100%)

MM: Predistribute in Mass Mailing in KIPZ

VP: Predistribute via Voluntary Pickup in KIPZ

RC: Stockpile at Evacuation Reception Centers Outside KIPZ

ND: No Distribution of KI

Minimize Radiation Health Risks to Public

 

 

 

 

 

A.

Minimize Radioactive Iodine Risk to Thyroid

 

 

a.1.

Maximize KI Availability

 

 

 

a.1.1.

Max. Availability for Children and Pregnant Women Residents

20%

10

2

0

0

 

 

a.1.2.

Max. Availability for Other Residents

2%

10

1

0

0

 

 

a.1.3.

Max. Availability for Mobile Population

4%

0

10

0

0

 

a.2.

Optimize Ability to Take KI on Time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a.2.1.

Max. Number of People who Know Where Pill is

5%

0

5

10

0

 

 

a.2.2.

KI Taken at Optimal Time if No Evacuation

5%

10

3

0

0

 

 

a.2.3.

KI is Taken at Optimal Time if Evacuation

3%

10

10

10

0

 

 

a.2.4.

Ensure KI is Stored to ensure Stability

3%

0

0

10

0

 

a.3.

Minimize Harm from Inappropriate KI Administration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a.3.1.

Correct KI Dosage Given (and Taken) for Age

5%

0

5

10

0

 

 

a.3.2.

First KI Dosage Not Taken Too Late

3%

10

10

0

10

 

 

a.3.3.

Adverse KI Side Effects (nonthyroid cancer) Minimized

1%

0

8

10

10

B.

Minimize Harm from Other Aspects of Incident

 

 

 

 

 

 

b.1.

KI Procedures Don’t Impede Evacuation

10%

0

5

10

10

 

b.2.

Avert Mortality and Morbidity from Radiation or Accidents

18%

10

3

0

10

 

b.3.

Minimize Panic/Anxiety due to KI Procedures

2%

10

5

10

5

 

b.4.

KI Procedures’ Resource Use Not Excessive

1%

0

5

7

10

 

b.5.

Simple KI Procedures before and during Incident

8%

0

3

10

10

 

b.6.

Educate Public to Respond to Nuclear Incident

10%

8

10

0

0

OVERALL VALUE (SUM OF PRODUCTS OF WEIGHTS TIMES RATINGS)

100%

6.1

4.6

3.8

4.2

Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×

Figure D.1 Overall Values of Four Plan Options for Hypothetical Local Region

The mass-mailing plan scored highest, with an overall weighted value score of 6.1 out of 10 possible. A plan that was rated a 10 on each objective would earn an overall value score of 10. (Similarly, one that was rated 0 on each objective would earn an overall value of 0.) The weights and ratings in Figure D.1 are hypothetical and are not intended to apply to any one locale or set of plans. Local decision-makers should determine their own plans, weights and ratings on the basis of local conditions.

Note that if the weights on the objectives were different, the rank order of the options could change. For example, with new weights, and a particularly high weight of 24% out of 100% on simple procedures during and before an accident, the option of only stockpiling at reception centers scores highest, as seen in Table D.6 and Figure D.2 below.

Once preliminary analysis has been done, planners may be able to design a new plan that would combine the best features of multiple plans.

Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×

Table D.6. Example 2 Meets Each Objective

 

Description of How Well Each Plan

Meets Each Objective (Rate from 0 to 10 = best)

Example 2. Revised Weights

Importance Weights (Sum = 100%)

MM: Predistribute in Mass Mailing in KIPZ

VP: Predistribute via Voluntary Pickup in KIPZ

RC: Stockpile at Evacuation Reception Centers Outside KIPZ

ND: No Distribution of KI

Minimize Radiation Health Risks to Public

 

 

 

 

 

A.

Minimize Radioactive Iodine Risk to Thyroid

 

 

 

 

 

 

a.1.

Maximize KI Availability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a.1.1.

Max. Availability for Children and Pregnant Women Residents

9%

10

2

0

0

 

 

a.1.2.

Max. Availability for Other Residents

5%

10

1

0

0

 

 

a.1.3.

Max. Availability for Mobile Population

7%

0

10

0

0

 

a.2.

Optimize Ability to Take KI on Time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a.2.1.

Max. Number of People who Know Where Pill is

6%

0

5

10

0

 

 

a.2.2.

KI Taken at Optimal time if No Evacuation

3%

10

3

0

0

 

 

a.2.3.

KI is Taken at Optimal Time if Evacuation

2%

10

10

10

0

 

 

a.2.4.

Ensure KI is Stored to ensure Stability

6%

0

0

10

0

 

a.3.

Minimize Harm from Inappropriate KI Administration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a.3.1.

Correct KI Dosage Given (and Taken) for Age

6%

0

5

10

0

 

 

a.3.2.

First KI Dosage Not Taken Too Late

7%

10

10

0

10

 

 

a.3.3.

Adverse KI Side Effects (nonthyroid cancer) Minimized

3%

0

8

10

10

B.

Minimize Harm from Other Aspects of Incident

 

 

 

 

 

 

b.1.

KI Procedures Don’t Impede Evacuation

2%

0

5

10

10

 

b.2.

Avert Mortality and Morbidity from Radiation or Accidents

5%

10

3

0

10

 

b.3.

Minimize Panic/Anxiety due to KI Procedures

11%

10

5

10

5

 

b.4.

KI Procedures’ Resource Use Not Excessive

1%

0

5

7

10

 

b.5.

Simple KI Procedures before and during Incident

24%

0

3

10

10

 

b.6.

Educate Public to Respond to Nuclear Incident

3%

8

10

0

0

OVERALL VALUE (SUM of PRODUCT OF WEIGHTS TIMES RATINGS)

100%

4.4

4.6

6.1

4.8

Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×

Figure D.2 Overall Values for Plans with Revised Set of Weights on Objectives

Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix D: Illustration of Process for Evaluating KI Distribution Plans." National Research Council. 2004. Distribution and Administration of Potassium Iodide in the Event of a Nuclear Incident. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10868.
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Page 218
Next: Appendix E: Information and Communication Messages Regarding Potassium Iodide or Radioactive Iodine »
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Radioactive iodines are produced during the operation of nuclear power plants and during the detonation of nuclear weapons. In the event of a radiation incident, radioiodine is one of the contaminants that could be released into the environment. Exposure to radioiodine can lead to radiation injury to the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Radiation to the thyroid from radioiodine can be limited by taking a nonradioactive iodine (stable iodine) such as potassium iodide. This book assesses strategies for the distribution and administration of potassium iodide (KI) in the event of a nuclear incident. The report says that potassium iodide pills should be available to everyone age 40 or younger—especially children and pregnant and lactating women—living near a nuclear power plant. States and municipalities should decide how to stockpile, distribute, and administer potassium iodide tablets, and federal agencies should keep a backup supply of tablets and be prepared to distribute them to affected areas.

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