Belarus passes iodine prophylaxis instruction in case of radiation accidents

December 3, BPN. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Emergency Situations signed a joint instruction on organizing iodine prophylaxis in light of potential radiation accidents. Dated October 19, it was published on the National Legal Internet Portal on December 3.

“A stock of stable iodine products shall be created for persons who may be present in case of a radiation accident at the site of the Belarusian nuclear power plant,” the plan reads. “Emergency kits containing stable iodine products are issued to the precautionary action zone’s population… Emergency kits containing stable iodine products, respiratory and skin protection equipment are issued to the population of the urgent protective action planning zone and the town of Astraviec, Hrodna region.”

Local authorities would authorize iodine distribution if the Astraviec Nuclear Power Plant melts down. Besides, health organizations are tasked with replenishing iodine stocks in the regions near other countries’ nuclear power plants. Potassium iodide is a nonradioactive compound that can be used to prevent the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine.