Increased Iodine in Milk as a Countermeasure for Iodine-131

Abstract

LEVELS of iodine-131 in milk during 1962 directed attention to possible courses of action to reduce the exposure of the human population should circumstances warrant. Procedures generally discussed were utilization of canned or powdered milk, barn feeding of dairy cows, and the possible use of ion-exchange resins to remove the iodine-131 from the milk. These procedures could be safe and effective, either alone or together, in reducing the intake of radio-iodine by human beings. To put any of these into practice, however, requires a reserve of readily available stored milk, adequate stores of aged cattle fodder, and technological readiness. In countries less well endowed than the United States or even in all parts of this country at all times, it may be impossible to initiate or maintain for a long period of time any one or combination of these procedures.