Japan crisis spikes demand for radiation pills

pill radiation

WASHINGTON - The nuclear crisis in Japan is spiking demand in the United States and some other places for a cheap drug that can protect against a type of radiation damage - although the risk is only in Japan.

Health agencies in California and Western Canada warned Tuesday that there is no reason why people from coast stock suddenly on potassium iodide. Some of the major suppliers say they are out of stock and panic calls from potential customers.

"Tell them:" Stop, do not, "said Kathryn Higley, director of health physics radiation at Oregon State University.

"There are many myths about the use of potassium iodide," said Dr. Irwin REDLEN, a pediatrician and disaster preparedness expert at Columbia University. "This is not an antidote to radiation in general."