In Romania, health authorities are urging careful preparation amid concerns about a nuclear incident linked to the situation in neighboring Ukraine. This Monday, medical officials advised the population under 40 to obtain iodine tablets promptly, emphasizing timely access as a precautionary measure.
Earlier, the International Atomic Energy Agency warned of the potential for a nuclear emergency. The Zaporizhzhia facility in Ukraine, which has been under Russian occupation since March, was the focal point of a recent bombing. Both sides blame the other for the attack, underscoring the fragility surrounding one of Europe’s largest nuclear power complexes, located roughly 700 kilometers from Romania.
The health minister urged the public under 40 to consult their family doctors as soon as possible, noting that a prescription might be required to obtain the tablets.
Buy in pharmacies
The Ministry of Health indicated that approximately 2,500 pharmacies are involved in ensuring access to iodine pills for people under 40 who are more susceptible to potential radiation effects which could impact thyroid health. The government aims to provide these tablets free of charge where appropriate to reach those at higher risk.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, the government has directed the pharmaceutical sector to increase production of iodine tablets. The goal is to be prepared in case of a radiation risk arising at the Ukrainian sites or elsewhere in the region, including potential spillover effects from historical incidents at major facilities.
The Health Ministry stated that the aim is to arm the population with an effective countermeasure to lower the impact of a possible nuclear event, rather than to prevent every risk entirely. In March, the minister cited the ongoing, large-scale armed conflict in Ukraine as the most plausible driver of a potential accident and the reason for expanding stockpiles.
Reduces the risk of thyroid cancer
The purpose of these pills is to help prevent the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine, a key step in reducing the likelihood of radiation-induced thyroid damage and cancer. As a precaution, the government assembled a stockpile in the tens of millions to safeguard those at risk of exposure in Ukraine-related scenarios.
Demand for iodine tablets could grow if the situation in Ukraine worsens, according to health officials who stressed readiness and rapid distribution channels to ensure timely access for the public in need.