2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
It was reported that radioactive iodine was detected in the tap water in Fukushima, Tochigi, Gunma, Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, and Niigata, and radioactive caesium in the tap water in Fukushima, Tochigi and Gunma. Radioactive caesium, iodine, and strontium were also detected in the soil in some places in Fukushima. There may be a need to replace the contaminated soil. Many radioactive hotspots were found outside the evacuation zone, including Tokyo. Food products were also found contaminated by radioactive matter in several places in Japan. On 5 April 2011, the government of the Ibaraki Prefecture banned the fishing of sand lance after discovering that this species was contaminated by radioactive caesium above legal limits. As late as July 2013 slightly elevated levels of radioactivity were found in beef on sale at Tokyo markets.
Lugol's iodine
Lugol's iodine, also known as aqueous iodine and strong iodine solution, is a solution of potassium iodide with iodine in water. It is a medication and disinfectant used for a number of purposes. Taken by mouth it is used to treat thyrotoxicosis until surgery can be carried out, protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine, and to treat iodine deficiency. When applied to the cervix it is used to help in screening for cervical cancer. As a disinfectant it may be applied to small wounds such as a needle stick injury. A small amount may also be used for emergency disinfection of drinking water.
Side effects may include allergic reactions, headache, vomiting, and inflammation of the whites of the eyes. Long term use may result in trouble sleeping and depression. It should not typically be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Lugol's iodine is a liquid made up of two parts potassium iodide for every one part elemental iodine in water.
Lugol's iodine was first made in 1829 by the French physician Jean Lugol. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Lugol's iodine is available as a generic medication and over the counter. In the United Kingdom the NHS pays 9.57 pounds per 500 ml of solution. Lugol's solution is available in different strengths of iodine. Large volumes of concentrations more than 2.2% may be subject to regulation.