potassium iodide and nuclear power

[Skvez]

(12 February 2012, 15:12)Timelord Wrote: Potassium iodide is protection against radioactive particles accumulating in the Thyroid gland.

Potassium idoide protects again radioactive Iodine. It does not protect against any other radioactive particles.
The Thyroid tends to collect and keep the radioactive iodine (resulting in prolonged exposure for months or years after a brief exposure to radioactive iodine). "Overdosing" on non radioactive iodine saturates the tyroid and stops it collecting the radioactive isotope. It is vital to take the Idoide as soon as possible when exposure to radioctive iodine is possible. (Taking it after the Thyroid has collected the radioactive iodine has virtually no effect).
Idoine tablets do not protect you from other forms of radiation. Therefore they typically useful immedictaley after a low to moderate exposure (such as people close to the plant in Japan).