Can a variety of "radiation protection" products really prevent radiation? One article explains clearly

Recently, various practices and products related to "radiation protection" have become increasingly popular, with claims such as "eating iodized salt to prevent radiation" and "nuclear radiation drugs can prevent radiation" gaining popularity. In fact, most of the so-called "radiation protection" products sold in the market cannot truly prevent radiation, and improper use can also harm health.

Iodized salt

Stable iodine can prevent the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine. Take stable iodine tablets before and after exposure to nuclear radiation. Stable iodine can occupy the thyroid area first, saturate the thyroid gland, and reduce the harm of radioactive iodine 131 caused by nuclear radiation to the thyroid gland. But stable iodine can only protect the thyroid and does not have a protective effect on other parts of the body.

Eating iodized salt does not prevent nuclear radiation. Because the amount of stable iodine in iodized salt is too low, it cannot reach the amount required to prevent the enrichment of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland. According to China's regulations, the iodine content per kilogram of table salt is between 20 milligrams and 30 milligrams; The recommended iodine intake for adults in a nuclear accident is about 100 milligrams. The iodine content in 3 kilograms of table salt is equivalent to the iodine content in 1 iodine tablet. Eating salt like this is obviously unrealistic.

Potassium iodide tablets

It is rumored online that potassium iodide tablets can effectively prevent iodine-129 in nuclear contaminated water. Searching for "nuclear radiation drugs" on e-commerce platforms, potassium iodide tablets are the most common and best-selling.

Search for "nuclear radiation drugs" on e-commerce platforms, with potassium iodide tablets being the most common.

However, Yang Yong, the chief pharmacist of the Pharmacy Department of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, stated that the drug "potassium iodide" is mainly used for the prevention and treatment of endemic goiter, preoperative preparation for hyperthyroidism surgery, and thyroid crisis. In the instructions for taking potassium iodide drugs, there is no "radiation protection" effect.

Yang Yong reminds that "potassium iodide" is a therapeutic drug, not a health product. Do not take too much potassium iodide out of fear of radiation, as it may cause thyroid dysfunction. The products claimed to have "radiation protection" function on the internet are actually health supplements, dietary supplements, etc., with very low iodine and potassium content.

Another expert has stated that the nuclear contaminated water discharged by Japan contains over 60 radioactive isotopes, and iodine tablets can only be used to prevent the absorption of radioactive iodine by the human body, and have no effect on other radioactive isotopes. In the event of a nuclear accident, an expected dose of 50 millisieverts within 7 days is required to take iodine tablets. For radioactive contamination of seafood caused by nuclear contaminated water, iodine tablets are not required.

Nuclear radiation detector

Recently, "nuclear radiation detectors" have also become popular products, with prices mostly in the hundreds of yuan. From the product description, this type of portable detector is suitable for detecting radioactivity on the surface of objects or in air or water. However, portable radioactive detectors sold online have significant performance limitations and cannot detect radioactive isotopes in nuclear contaminated water. Therefore, they are not universal detectors.

The popular online "nuclear radiation detector".

Nuclear radiation detectors are professional equipment, and the detection range of different models of equipment varies, with a certain detection limit. In addition, for radiation dose detection, it is necessary to distinguish different types of nuclides and radiation, and most detection objects also need to go through complex pre-processing processes.

Anti radiation clothing, anti radiation stickers, etc

With the increasing attention paid to radiation protection, products such as radiation suits, radiation caps, and radiation stickers have also been accidentally ignited. But the radiation protection suits sold on the market are mostly targeted at non ionizing radiation and cannot prevent nuclear radiation. Moreover, the quality of radiation protection suits varies, and even non ionizing radiation has limited preventive effects.

Anti radiation clothing, anti radiation stickers, anti radiation hats, and anti radiation blankets have also become popular products.

Generally speaking, radiation can be divided into two categories: non ionizing radiation and ionizing radiation. Due to its low energy, common non ionizing radiation in daily life does not require special prevention. For example, visible light, infrared radiation, radio waves, mobile phones, televisions, computers, microwaves, and other electrical equipment can all generate non ionizing radiation. As long as these electrical devices are used normally, they will not affect health and there is no need to deliberately "prevent radiation".

Ionizing radiation has high energy and can cause harm to the human body at sufficient intensity. Nuclear fuel, radioactive isotopes, X-ray detectors, medical imaging examinations, tumor radiotherapy, etc. are the main artificial sources of daily ionizing radiation. In order to prevent radioactive accidents, the use of trilobal ionizing radiation markers is common worldwide. The logo is usually pasted on the outer packaging of radioactive materials, on radiation devices, and in workplaces where ionizing radiation is present. If you see signs of ionizing radiation, be sure to stay away from relevant places or take personal protective measures.

Ionizing radiation label

Ionizing radiation label

Cacti, green apples

In fact, no plant has any radiation protection function, whether it is against ionizing radiation or non ionizing radiation.

Radiation propagates in a straight line, either obstructed by heavy metal materials or deflected by strong electromagnetic fields. Obviously, no plant can block, gather, or redirect radiation.

The merchant claims to have plants with "radiation protection" function.

The only known heavy metals that can absorb and protect against radiation are lead and other heavy metals. Professional personnel entering nuclear contaminated areas must wear professional lead suits, and thick lead plates are also installed in the walls of the hospital's radiology department.