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Radiological Weapons: Congress Requires Drug Near Nuclear Plants By Kerry Boyd The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act, passed by the Senate yesterday following House approval Wednesday, contains provisions that would require U.S. officials to provide potassium iodide tablets to state and local governments. Potassium iodide helps prevent the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine, which could be released in a nuclear disaster and possibly cause cancer. The drug must, however, be taken shortly before exposure. Federal guidelines already recommend stockpiling potassium iodide within 10 miles of a nuclear plant (see GSN, Jan. 10). Some communities have potassium iodide stockpiles, but the legislation would make the drug available to all relevant areas (see GSN, Feb. 15). According to the bill, state and local officials would stockpile and distribute tablets “as appropriate” to public facilities such as hospitals and schools within 20 miles of any nuclear power plant. The legislation also would require the president to ask the National Academy of Sciences to study the safest and most effective ways to distribute the tablets. Reaction Opponents of stockpiling potassium iodide in nuclear power plant communities have noted that thyroid cancer is only one ill effect of radiation exposure and have cautioned that people might view the drug as a panacea. Distributing the drug could slow evacuation procedures, according to critics. Some have also expressed concern about the availability of children’s doses (see GSN, March 21). Stockpiling advocates have praised the opportunity residents would have to protect themselves. David Lochbaum of the Union of Concerned Scientists welcomed the legislation, calling it a “pleasant surprise.” Stockpiling within 20 miles of a plant is a reasonable distance, he said, since it provides for the people at immediate risk and allows authorities to examine wind patterns to determine whether tablets should be provided beyond 20 miles. Alan Morris, president of Anbex.com — one of two U.S. potassium iodide producers — expressed relief that Congress has recognized the need for potassium iodide (see GSN, Feb. 5). “We recognize and are encouraged by the fact that the need is being perceived,” he said. Morris said he was concerned, however, that the government would not stockpile enough potassium iodide. World Health Organization studies of the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl accident indicated that radioactive iodine spread 500 kilometers downwind and caused significantly higher rates of thyroid cancer, particularly in children, he said. If an accident occurred at the Indian Point nuclear power plant in New York and radiation spread 500 kilometers, there would be a huge need for potassium iodide, Morris said. Call for Wider Radius Other bills moving through the legislative process call for stockpiling potassium iodide over areas beyond the 20-mile radius. The bioterrorism bill is a good first step, a spokesman for Representative Edward Markey (D-Mass.) said. Markey has sponsored two bills, both currently in committee, that would require U.S. officials to stockpile pills within a 200-mile radius and to distribute them within a 50-mile radius of a nuclear power plant. Representative Phil English (R-Pa.) has also introduced legislation that would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency to stockpile potassium iodide within 50 miles of nuclear plants. He is happy that the legislation Congress passed includes potassium iodide provisions, a spokeswoman said. Nuclear Vessel Ports Meanwhile, one bill sponsored by Bob Filner (D-Calif.) would require FEMA, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and related federal agencies to develop and implement a plan for stockpiling potassium iodide within 50 miles of home ports of nuclear-powered naval vessels. The potassium iodide provisions in the bioterrorism bill do not apply to military reactors, such as those on nuclear-powered vessels, but it is not logical to exempt the military from the same protective measures as civilian sites, Filner told Global Security Newswire yesterday. The military should be required to comply with the same rules as civilian facilities, he said, adding that the decision to stockpile potassium iodide is a “no-brainer.” San Diego is a home port to at least three nuclear vessels, and the ships sit a few blocks from residential areas, said Filner, who represents the southern part of the city and parts of the bay area. The crews on the ships have potassium iodide, he said, but nearby residents do not. Lochbaum said that naval vessel reactors contain less radioactive iodine than nuclear power plants. The ships would pose less of a threat than the plants but could still cause harm, he said, adding that stockpiling potassium iodide around home ports would not be a bad idea. Filner said he would continue to work to pass his bill but expressed doubt that the Republican-controlled House would seriously consider the legislation, especially as the military is asking for more exemptions during the war on terrorism.
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