Nuclear Disasters

Nuclear radiation is odorless, colorless, and must be detected

with the proper tools, such as a Geiger counter. Radiation can
have an effect on the body’s tissues acutely or may cause
serious diseases such as cancer.

Scenario: You are a healthcare worker in a small town near a

nuclear power plant. As part of your duties, you distribute
potassium iodide pills to the community and at area schools. In
the scenario:

• Why would residents near a nuclear facility need to keep

potassium iodide pills handy? 

• How would these prevent serious effects from nuclear

radiation? 

• What is the mechanism that allows potassium iodide to

protect the body?

• Would you live near an active nuclear reactor or support

building one in your area? Why or why not?

Your Discussion should be a minimum of 250 words in length and

not more than 750 words. Use APA citations and references for
the textbook and any other sources used.

In addition to the researched facts you present as your answer,

you may provide opinions and real-world experiences where
appropriate.

Peer Responses (3-4 complete sentences):

Respond to the primary responses of three of your colleagues.

Attempt to add facts, opinions, and life experiences to the
discussion. What did you learn from their answer? What
questions do you have or how could the original author clarify
certain points? What points were the most interesting? Could you
contribute to the answer given or summarize it?

Resources to get you started:

American Thyroid Association. (n.d.). Nuclear radiation and the

thyroid. Retrieved from http://www.thyroid.org/nuclear-
radiation-and-the-thyroid/

United States Nuclear Regulatory Committee. (2016, March 30).

Frequently asked questions about potassium iodide. Retrieved
from http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/emerg-preparedness/
about-emerg-preparedness/potassium-iodide/ki-faq.html

Villarica, H. (2011, March 14). Radiation exposure: Fast facts

about thyroid cancer and other health risks. Time. Retrieved
from http://healthland.time.com/2011/03/14/radiation-
exposure-fast-facts-about-thyroid-cancer-and-other-health-
risks/