West Flemish people also get free iodine tablets en masse

Iodine tablets can provide protection against radioactive radiation after a nuclear disaster.

However, experts emphasize that it is not necessary to quickly pick up iodine tablets now. Kris Marrannes, pharmacist: “These iodine pills were created when the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded in 1986. It was then seen that there were a lot of thyroid problems in children. That is why the plan was conceived to distribute potassium tablets to the population, because those tablets prevent the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine.”

But above the age of 40, taking iodine tablets makes little sense. And you also have to wait for the right moment. “The tablets should only be taken once if increased radiation is observed in the 300 monitoring stations. At that time, it is communicated through the media that it should be taken.

You can pick up a limited stock of iodine tablets for free. They are mainly intended for children under 18 and pregnant or breastfeeding women.