The Hindu : International / Globescan : U.K. stocks 'nuclear pills'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 03, 2004

International

International - Globescan

U.K. stocks 'nuclear pills'

London: The British Government has extended its supply of anti-radiation pills to cover 50 per cent of the population because of the increased risk of a terrorist attack. The potassium iodate tablets, which are stockpiled at hospitals across the country, protect the body from the effects of radioactive iodine emitted by nuclear weapons including so-called dirty bombs. Britain had previously held stocks of these tablets to cover only about 200,000 people living near nuclear power stations or naval bases where there are nuclear submarines, and where an accident could occur. It has emerged, however, that in September last year, John Reid, the Health Secretary, was advised by the security service that terrorists were trying to obtain a nuclear device and it would be a sensible precaution to protect 30 million people. Orders costing more than £50 millions were placed with medical suppliers and the drugs were distributed to hospitals. The tablets have been distributed evenly, mainly in urban areas.

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