US Surgeon General: Iodide Pills Are Good ‘Precaution’ for Nuclear Fallout
- Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:02pm by
Meredith Jessup
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With the world‘s eyes fixed on Japan and its government’s attempts to contain the threat of nuclear meltdown, Americans on the west coast are left wondering if oceanic winds have the potential to blow in radiated fallout in off the Pacific Ocean. Despite numerous health officials’ assurances that Americans are not at risk, drug suppliers report increased demand for anti-radiation potassium iodide pills which prevent against radiation poisoning of the thyroid gland.
Potassium iodide pills are reportedly flying off the shelves at drug stores in at least three West Coast states — Oregon, California and Hawaii — according to several local press accounts. Expect the demand to continue growing as the nation‘s leading public health officials recommended residents of San Francisco’s Bay Area to stock up on the little tablets as a “precaution.”
While state and local officials worked to dispel the public’s concerns, U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin voiced her support for the precautionary measure Tuesday during a tour of a local hospital.
“We have to be prepared,” Benjamin told the local NBC affiliate. “We need to be as proactive and as energetic as we can to try and save lives and keep people healthy.”
Meanwhile, Kelly Huston of the California Emergency Management Agency insists that state nuclear and energy commission officials were monitoring the situation in Japan closely and says people don’t need to stock up on iodine. “Even if we had a radiation release from Diablo Canyon (in San Luis Obispo County), iodide would only be issued to people living within a 10-mile radius of the plant,” Huston said.
Nevertheless, the pills are now running in short supply and prices on online auction site eBay have reportedly skyrocketed.
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Comments (97)
oldsoldier10
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 5:55amOMG what an Idiot! Yea bubba… you got’s to prepare for preparedness, cause preparing to prepare is not prepared and we shoulds always be prepares even if we’s not prepared, to make sure the US is prepared while preparing. W T F Win the Future? Is this woman even a college graduate? Please put Joycelyn Elders back in there at least she was articulate, lol.
Report Post »shalca
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 2:05amThis article is pretty misleading once you watch the video attached.
Meredith Jessep, the author of the article titles it, “US Surgeon General: Iodide Pills Are Good ‘Precaution’ for Nuclear Fallout”
In the video the SG says about people stocking up on iodine pills, “you mean stocking up here? I haven‘t heard that but it’s a precaution”
Earlier in the interview with regard to other preparations she says, “We need to be as prepared as we can. If we don‘t need them then that’s OK. But the more you prepare the better we can be”
I fail to see the problem with these statements. It’s a far cry from creating panic.
Report Post »Shane
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:52amNow why would they think there would be a run of pills by coming out and making those comments? The Anbex manufacturer’s website states they are out of supply thru the end of April. Something tells me there is going to be an investigation of BIG Pharmacy over this.
Report Post »heyjim55
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:32amI am surprised she did not suggest that we order them from the Bill Gates foundation, there already injecting third world children with his loaded elixer of flu virus and other drugs that cause miscarriges and steriliazation heck he could mix up a grand cocktail and reduce the population in this country as well and bragg about it does any one believe the Government when they say it’s safe?
Report Post »ICANHANDLETHETRUTH
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:14amNice haircuts ladies
Report Post »conservativewoman
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:51amI can’t stop laughing at your comment. Hahahahah! All I could think of while watching the clip is that these women are in need of a new hair stylist.
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 1:05amThe hair on the woman behind her looks like she was standing right in a nuke blast zone.
Report Post »ETOOL USMC RECON
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 11:26amJethro Bodine and his bowl cut would be so proud…….
Nothing but another glaring example of the failure of affirmative action……
Move along…..nothing to see here.
Report Post »Da Kingfish
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 3:57pmLooks like the south bound end of a north bound mule, Onoballs, likes to surround himself with fat ugly bull dozer’s, must be for Moochelle.
Report Post »RLTW
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:12amThe only clouds we should worry about are the smug clouds of Hollywood and DC clashing in the Midwest and causing the smug apocalypse.
The only cure for that is the 2nd amd
Report Post »ICANHANDLETHETRUTH
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:11amI wonder where those 2 girls got their haircuts at ? We need to call him of her and tell them to get into a differant proffesion LMFAO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »miles from nowhere
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:09amThe Surgeon General could not pour pee out of a boot with the directions on the heel.
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:04amFear, fear, fear…………the more they can make people afraid, the more they can pass new laws to “protect” them. Look at the freedoms we have lost since 9-11 all in the name of protecting us. When did we become such a nation of whimps?
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:03amShe looks as qualified as Jocelyn Elders.
Report Post »Setter
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:52pmSurgeon General of the U.S. doesn’t have a staff to help her prepare for interviews?
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:14amWhat difference would it make. More dumb dems advising another dumb dem = Dem is some dumb dems!
Report Post »Da Kingfish
Posted on March 17, 2011 at 3:52pmMaybe Mochelle will lend her 5 or 10 of her ASSistants, that will leave her 25 or more to help her wash her big pa toot.
Report Post »trueblueday
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:52pmI remember the last time we were instructed to be “proactive” – using duct tape and plasting sheeting! (What a Joke!)
Report Post »Apple Bite
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:51pmThe stuff won’t reach the US through the air. When and if it does, it will be trace amounts, not even detectable in some cases. And then, you still have to factor sea currents into the equation, it might not even come this way at all! But whatever floats the West Coast’s pleasure boat. It‘s nice to know they’re prepared for the worse.
I found it funny last night, listening to the radio and hearing a Nuclear Physicist say when meltdown occurs, “it will turn into a puddle at the bottom of the vessel…”. It was almost as if he were describing melted ice cream. I’m willing to believe Nuclear Physcists than a bunch of fear mongering hippies, who’s lone desire is to get rid of all things man made, including your T.V. set that may be harming you right now.
Report Post »miles from nowhere
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:48pmI believe I need an extra big bottle, because the FALLOUT from Obama and this puky adminstration is going to cause a lot of sickness in the US, we are not talking radiation.
Report Post »proud2bnamerican
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:44pmLets just hope the people who are taking this and administering it to their families and children are aware that it could be very toxic to those with iodine allergies. You don’t know if you are allergic unless you have had prior experience with it.
Report Post »mikee1
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:42pmWhat affirmative action factory produced this moron? She is going to get a lot of people killed who will take these pills who do not need them. There is no radiation here, except from the Sun right now.
Report Post »trueblueday
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:49pmUnless there was a dire situation, I’d back off on downing the “antidote”. Have ya’ read all the potential side effects of this stuff? In part, side effects may (rarely?) include,
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•breathing problems
•burning in mouth, throat
•chest pain
•fast, irregular heartbeat
•fever with joint pain
•lump or swelling on the neck
•metallic taste
•pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
•unusual aches, pains
•unusual bleeding, bruising
•unusually weak or tired
Read more: http://www.healthline.com/goldcontent/potassium-iodide-ki#ixzz1GjNGxmOQ
Report Post »Healthline.com – Connect to Better Health
LiveNation
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:17amYou nailed it. Private Benjamin was running medial clinic in the back bayous of Alabama.
Report Post »deward
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:39pmI’m guessing about a 15 or 20 on her job examination. See kids you don’t have to actually pass school to get a good job.
Report Post »Sinista MACE
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:37pmThere’s only one way to deal with this immediately.
Reveal the antigravity technology and levitate the nuclear pile into the nearest black hole.
Of course, that would require some faith in the general public and honesty, two things that are nonexistent in governments worldwide.
Report Post »beckisnutsisnuts
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 1:36pmYou are a true maniac
Report Post »QuietRiot
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:34pmWhy should Cali be worried about radiation thats alot of miles to go for one thing so it will minimize fall out.Second they will probably be next to rumble anyhow…. OMg I forgot 2012 is coming soon to !! Run for the hollywood hills.
Report Post »sWampy
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:43pmUneducated fools.
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 4:09amI live in CA & I’m not worried @ all .
Report Post »Some loons wants to scare people so they can make some profit .
I SPY
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:26pmAffirmative Action Benjamin on the case!
Report Post »Nigel2
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:23pmEvery political appointee of Obama’s has been an incompetent clown. All except for Gates. Why would the surgeon general be any different.
Report Post »colascguy
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:20pmI am speechless. Ok I am not maybe the first lady should have some healthy eating coaching with this lady.
Report Post »19EightyFour
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:08pmTake your medicine. It’s good for you.
Report Post »Ironmaan
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:07pmAh yea, but only if there is nuclear fallout. No sense taking them otherwise.
Report Post »http://bioterrorsurvival.com
Ironmaan
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:20pmDidn’t surgeon gen Josyln Elders tell us masterbation was good for us? These guys are just full of wonderful information
Report Post »http://bioterrorsurvival.com
Non-sequitur
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 8:36am“masterbation is good for us”
Maybe you should try to masterbate(sic) more, it might help you feel less bitter.
Report Post »Nervous Investor
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:05pmUnbelievable ….. this woman is not ready to be Surgeon General.
Report Post »MiketheTrucker
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:18pmAbsolutely, Rosemary(the herb) is better than ANYTHING else on the planet for fighting radiation poisoning. No lie.
Report Post »U-R-Busted
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:18pmI think they actually found her on the “back lot” of a Hollywood Studio!
Report Post »hersey10
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:25pmWouldn’t these ONLY be available via Rx under Obamacare ? Maybe we’d all get waivers so we could get them otc .
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:25pmWhat is Fat Chick saying now? Wasn’t she too big to be SG, oh, wait that was the left saying that. I don’t know, maybe we should just choose apple sticks over Iodine. We americans are too fat anyway, a little radiation will do us good. (sarcasm)
Report Post »booger71
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:26pmI can see the lawyers snarling and snapping at each other to start filing claims against Japan for everyone in the US who comes down with cancer within the next year.
Report Post »ManThong
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:27pmKinda’ looks (and acts) like she could be Joycelyn Elders younger half sister.
Probably has the same take on “safer bullets”.
What the F is it with these Democrat Presidents?
Report Post »marine249
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:28pmget one of silver fire fighter cover and stay under it for the next 2 years
Report Post »marine249
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:32pmget one of those silver fire fighters covers and stay under it
Report Post »for the next 2 years
broker0101
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:33pmLook/Listen for Glenn Beck’s new Potassium Iodide sponsor this half hour.
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:36pmher staff no doubt gave her talking points.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:41pmShe came from the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:42pmUnbelievable with this administration is the normal in life; as they do not live in reality, just the total set of nightmares they want for the nation.
Report Post »Apple Bite
Posted on March 15, 2011 at 11:55pmIt’s a sure sign of incompetence, ain’t it? But the Obama Administration is riddle with incompetence, so it’s not surprising.
Report Post »fertlmind
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:22amShe better hope there is never a real event,…she’s so dumb she may end up one of the first victims
Report Post »with her and Crapper protecting me I don’t feel very safe
AzDebi
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:24amEat a can of TUNA instead!
Report Post »AzDebi
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:29am“Precaution”?
How UTTERLY irresponsible.
Potassium Iodide is dangerous in its own right, and should not be taken unless there is a clear and present threat of radioactive iodine exposure. (which there isn’t, by the way)
It should not be taken, (or even handled), by those with thyroid problems, and can cause death in those with undiagnosed thyroid conditions.
The incompetency in urging people to buy it at a time when a supply may actually be needed elsewhere in the world is on par with what we have come to expect from this administration.
Report Post »The Big Pickle
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:31amI’m so sick and tired of incompetent affirmative action morons getting jobs way over their heads. And now President Obongo is forcing police departments to pass black applicants with an “F” test grade.
Stop the madness now! End Affirmative Action Now!
Report Post »AzDebi
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:33amI read (somewhere) that NC had sent 50,000 tablets of KI (potassium iodide) to Japan…a wonderful gesture…INSTEAD OF HOARDING IT HERE IN THE USA when we don’t have the immediate NEED!!!!!!!! God help us all if we don’t change our selfish, self-serving ways!
Report Post »AzDebi
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:37am@U-R-Busted:
Report Post »“I think they actually found her on the “back lot” of a Hollywood Studio!”
______________________
Oh thank you…thank you…thank you…I really needed a good laugh!
TruthTalker
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 12:50amHer qualification is she is white. ermmm. ok. Any other person who is a true doctor would say, eat a can of tuna, it contains all the idodine you need.
Report Post »SonOfaCommunist
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 4:08amStupid is, is Stupid does. Or are they really that smart to come off as stupid? Hummm….
Report Post »ExpertShot
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 5:08am@ AZDEBI – My thoughts exactly when I heard this yesterday. Let‘s stock up here so there’ll be a shortage for the people that REALLY NEED THEM. Just another examples of the educated elite that doesn’t have the common sense to come in out of a shower of s***.
Report Post »avenger
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 6:27amyikes…this is a woman….hey, never let a crisis go to waste…lets help big pharma….
Report Post »Laus Deo
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 7:11amWalking around with a football helmet on is a good ‘precaution’ for falling blue ice.
Report Post »DisillusionedDaily
Posted on March 16, 2011 at 10:21pmFirst of all, Iodide pills will only help prevent radiation cancer of the thyroid. They do not prevent radiation poisioning and all the rest of the cancers that go with it. This woman should have her fitness to hold a medical license tested. She should definately not be the Surgeon General of the US. Besides, it is obvious that she does not follow the Michelle Obama dietary program!
Report Post »