Potassium cure for radiation strike

Potassium Iodate tablets are the best form of protection against certain types of nuclear attack - but to be effective a highly efficient emergency response plan would need to be in place, experts said today.

The pills need to be taken within four hours of radioactive iodine being released. Even then, they will only protect the thyroid gland - and not all nuclear weapons contain radioactive iodine. The thyroid gland, in the base of the throat, controls body size and tissue growth and secretes essential hormones.

Radioactive iodine stops it working. Potassium Iodate tablets contain huge amounts of stable iodine, effectively blocking radioactive material from reaching the gland.