Since the nuclear crises at Fukushima, Japan, people in the US are becoming cautious of the spread of radioactive elements. The most prominent of the elements that are emitted from the reactors is Iodine 131. All of this hype is leading to paranoia about exposure to the Iodine. It is ridiculous and sad that many Americans are becoming fearful of something that poses very little risk.

Potassium Iodine tablets are selling out around the country. The tablets are to protect the thyroid gland from radiation exposure and to prevent thyroid cancer. The cause of thyroid cancer stems from the exposure of radioactive Iodine.

“I think it’s pretty silly,” Ed Shouse, teacher, said. “We are exposed to radiation everyday of our lives. They did detect tiny amounts of radiation in cows’ milk in Washington State but the levels are so low that they are pretty insignificant. I think that it is kind of silly for people to be buying potassium (iodine) tablets here.

There is only a slim chance of radioactive exposure here in the US. There is no reason why anyone should purchase Potassium Iodine tablets.