the wind measurably increased the radiation levels up to 100 miles away from the disaster site. radioactive iodine, which can lead to increased risk of thyroid cancer if absorbed into the body, was released into the air along with other fission products. to counteract the radioactive iodine the distribution of potassium iodide is used, as it prevents the absorption of the potentially dangerous radioisotopes of that element. since chernobyl, distributing potassium iodide to children has been a standard response when risk of radioactivity release is high.