A box of iodine tablets at home?
In the event of a nuclear accident, taking iodine tablets is an important protective measure. Ask for a box from your pharmacist.
The presence of several nuclear sites in Belgium and close to our borders requires good preparation by the authorities and the population. The authorities regularly remind the population of the protective measures to be taken in case of a nuclear accident. One of these measures is having a box of iodine tablets at home.
What are iodine tablets for?
By taking iodine tablets containing stable (non-radioactive) iodine at the right time, you ensure that your thyroid gland is saturated and can no longer absorb unstable (radioactive) iodine. So by taking stable iodine tablets, you can protect your thyroid gland.
However, taking iodine tablets is effective only if it is done at the right time. So never take iodine tablets on your own initiative. Always wait for the explicit official recommendations from the Belgian government.
Where to get iodine tablets?
In Belgium, you can collect preventive and free iodine tablets from the pharmacist.
Who has to take iodine tablets?
This recommendation is primarily important in the following cases:
- If you live close to a nuclear power plant (not the case in Brussels): all inhabitants of municipalities within a 20-kilometre zone around a nuclear power plant are advised to get iodine tablets at home.
- If you are under 18 years of age: the younger you are, the more sensitive you are to the effects of radioactive iodine. Throughout Belgium, it is therefore recommended for children and young people up to 18 years of age, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, to have a box of iodine tablets at home.
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