What is a common recommendation for potassium iodide dosage in adults during a radiation emergency?

The recommended dosage for potassium iodide (KI) in adults during a radiation emergency is 130 mg. This dosage is intended to saturate the thyroid gland with stable iodine, thereby reducing the risk of radioactive iodine uptake, which can be harmful.

In the event of a nuclear incident, radioactive iodine can be released into the environment, potentially leading to thyroid cancer and other thyroid-related diseases. By taking potassium iodide, the thyroid absorbs the stable iodine instead of the radioactive form.

The dosage of 130 mg has been established as effective for adults and is aligned with guidelines provided by health and safety organizations. This dosage is typically administered in a single dose and can be repeated in some cases based on specific public health guidance. Higher dosages, such as 250 mg or 500 mg, may not provide additional protective benefits and can increase the risk of side effects. The lower dosage of 10 mg is insufficient for protection during a significant exposure event. Therefore, 130 mg has been recognized as the optimal dosage for adults during radiation emergencies.