Today there are 103 nuclear reactors in the United States. Although these reactors are heavily guarded, there is always the possibility of a nuclear terrorist attack. Additionally, nuclear emission can result from an accident at a power plant. Many people, especially in the northeastern states remember the fear caused by the threat of the Three Mile Island reactor disaster. Potassium iodide, frequently referred to by its chemical symbol KI, when taken just before or just after ingestion of radioactive fallout, saturates the thyroid gland and prevents the further uptake of radioactive iodine emitted during a nuclear accident. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission explains the benefits of potassium iodide as: “When potassium iodide is ingested, it is taken up by the thyroid gland. In the proper dosage and taken at the proper time, it will effectively saturate the thyroid gland in such a way that inhaled or ingested radioactive iodines are not accumulated in the thyroid gland.” back to top There are no nuclear power reactors in Alaska or Hawaii