Don't use these "anti-radiation" products indiscriminately! Remember these 6 tips to stay away from radiation in your life!

Recently, topics such as nuclear radiation and radiation protection have attracted everyone's attention. Even on social platforms and online shopping platforms, some products claiming to be "radiation-proof" have appeared, among which potassium iodide tablets are the most common.

Can potassium iodide protect against radiation? Pharmacist: Don’t use it indiscriminately!

Yang Yong, chief pharmacist of the Pharmacy Department of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, said in an interview with Red Star News on August 27 that the drug instructions for potassium iodide do not mention the "anti-radiation" function, and that whether it is healthy people or people with abnormal thyroid function, taking potassium iodide without authorization will affect the body's thyroid function.

Pharmacist Yang Yong introduced that the real effect of the drug "potassium iodide" is mainly used for the prevention and treatment of endemic goiter, preoperative preparation for hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroid crisis.

Long-term use of potassium iodide may cause symptoms of iodine poisoning, such as burning sensation in the mouth and throat, drooling, metallic taste, gum pain, stomach discomfort, severe headache, etc.; hyperkalemia may also occur, manifested as confusion, arrhythmia, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, and heaviness and weakness in the lower limbs.

Pharmacist Yang Yong reminded that "potassium iodide" is a therapeutic drug, not a health product. Don't take too much potassium iodide for fear of radiation, which may cause thyroid dysfunction. Products on the Internet that claim to have "anti-radiation function" are actually health products, dietary supplements, etc., and their iodine and potassium content is very low.

Remember 6 tips to stay away from radiation in life

In daily life, we usually divide radiation into two categories: ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation.

Ionizing radiation: Nuclear fuel cycle, radionuclide research, production and use, X-ray detectors, medical imaging, and tumor radiotherapy are all important artificial sources of daily ionizing radiation.

Non-ionizing radiation: microwaves, ultraviolet rays, infrared rays and radio waves, etc. Electronic instruments and equipment such as computers, microwave ovens, microwave surgical knives, as well as radio and television transmission towers, communication signal towers and high-voltage substations are all sources of non-ionizing radiation.

In 2023, Kuang Lele from the Reproductive Medicine Center of Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine published an article in Popular Health, stating that the damage caused by radiation to the human body varies depending on the frequency band and power, especially the length of exposure time. Severe cases not only affect the body's nervous, circulatory and other systems, but also affect the reproductive system.

1. When you see this radiation sign, stay away from it

If you see a "three-leaf" sign like the one below nearby, please stay away.

Large equipment such as radars, TV towers, communication signal towers, high-voltage substations, etc. will generate high-intensity electromagnetic waves when in operation and should be kept away from as much as possible.

People who work in medical institutions and are at risk of occupational exposure should receive training at work, improve their protection awareness, and wear personal protective equipment in a standardized manner.

2. Wait for a moment after the call is connected before putting it close to your ear

Studies have shown that radiation is greatest when a call is just made, and rapidly decreases after the call is answered. Therefore, after making a call, wait a moment before placing the phone close to your ear.

Many people use computers for a long time. It is recommended to leave the computer and take a break for a few minutes every 2 hours.

Photo by Cao Zihao, Health Times

3. Don’t place home appliances too close together

In some people's bedrooms, TVs, computers, game consoles, air conditioners, air purifiers, etc. occupy most of the space. These appliances will generate a certain amount of radiation when they are running. Living in such an environment for a long time will pose a threat to health.

4. Healthy diet to ensure nutritional intake

If the human body lacks essential fatty acids and various vitamins, it may lead to a decrease in the body's tolerance to radiation.

Vitamin A, C, and E are a good antioxidant combination. It is recommended to eat more cruciferous vegetables such as rapeseed, mustard greens, cabbage, and radish.

People who use computers frequently can also eat foods such as wolfberry, chrysanthemum, green tea, and cassia seed.

Drinking more water, increasing exercise, and promoting the body's metabolism may also help reduce the harm of radiation.

Many people believe that consuming iodized salt can prevent nuclear radiation, but this is actually a misunderstanding. Stable iodine can only prevent the body from absorbing radioactive iodine, but it is ineffective against other radiation. Eating iodized salt cannot prevent nuclear radiation. The amount of stable iodine in iodized salt is too small to prevent radioactive iodine from accumulating in the thyroid gland.

5. Do not put your hands into the lead curtain during security check

When undergoing security checks on subways, trains and other means of transportation, do not put your hands through the lead door curtain. Wait until the package or luggage slides out before taking it.

6. Be careful when choosing stone for home decoration and ventilate the room after decoration

Some natural stones contain the radioactive nuclide radium, which can release radioactive radon gas. Long-term exposure is harmful to human health. We should try to avoid using such materials in large quantities.

When purchasing home decoration stone, you should understand its radioactivity and detection level. After the decoration is completed, you should ventilate frequently and ask a professional organization to test whether the radiation intensity exceeds the standard.