The increased demand for potassium iodide follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order last Sunday for his military to mobilize nuclear “deterrents”. Taking potassium iodide, the active ingredient in iodine tablets, can reduce the risk of thyroid cancer in a nuclear disaster.
Exactly how much extra iodine is sold and where the demand is highest, Jongstra cannot say on Monday. “But I hear from different quarters, from head offices and shops, that there is suddenly a lot of demand for it.” Etos, Trekpleister, DA, Kruidvat and independent drugstores are represented by the CBD.
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Very limited
Kruidvat and Trekpleister have not had iodine tablets in their range for “at least a year”, a spokeswoman for those companies said. “Just because almost none of it was sold.” That’s right, says Jongstra. Usually, potassium iodide tablets are provided to people who live within a certain distance from a nuclear power plant.
Druggists help with this, but otherwise the stocks of iodine tablets in shops are very limited. “I think there are a few loose jars per store.” Stocks are also small at distribution centers.
The CBD has asked the Ministry of Health for advice on what to do. “Does the ministry advise everyone to get iodine at home? Then we may need to stock up more. We are awaiting an opinion.”
