With the crisis in Japan, and more importantly the fear of radiation exposure from the reactor accidents, I want to explain a bit about the use of iodine in protecting the thyroid.
First of all, I do not believe that the potential for radiation exposure here on the West coast is anything to be alarmed about. If there is a release of particulate matter from a melt down, the transit across the pacific would greatly reduce the amounts reaching the West coast and fall harmlessly into the ocean. In addition, anything that does reach us would be a small amount and probably would not be a health hazard. Having said that, I do not trust the government to accurately report the danger just to keep the general population from panicking. With that, let me give you some general information about the use of thyroid supplements and how it would impact your health.
Thyroid and radiation
The thyroid uses organic iodine as fuel for the gland. If there is a deficiency in organic iodine (and there usually is in the U.S.), the thyroid will assimilate any type of iodine, including radioactive iodine. The idea behind the use of potassium iodide as a preventative is that if the thyroid has enough iodine in the tissues it will not absorb any other forms. So taking iodine supplements has merit. However, this will only be effective in low doses of radiation and if the exposure were high, the iodine would be a band aid at best. Furthermore, the potassium iodide that everyone is trying to get right now is a chemical version of the mineral and frankly, not very safe. If you are allergic to iodine then it will not help at all and can cause adverse health side effects. Rashes, burning in the mouth and throat and disruption of the function of the the thyroid could be the result.
Organic vs. chemical fractions
In my practice I use an organic form of iodine called Prolamine Iodine from Standard Process. This is a highly metabolized form of iodine and certainly good news for the thyroid. It will suffice to do the same (and a much healthier form) than potassium iodide. Once the thyroid has enough iodine to be optimal, the body will then excrete additional iodine through the urine without adverse effects. Not so in potassium iodide. Because it is a chemical synthetic, the body will be inclined to store it for processing through the liver and kidneys and could cause some problems.
Please listen to the media with a discerning (and skeptical) ear when it comes to the dangers of possible radiation exposure. Be smart, be prepared but don't panic. The best thing that I believe you can do is be prepared to take of yourself for at least 30 days in the event of any disasters. This includes having some food stored, fuel reserves and any health products you may need.