Radioactive Leaks

In Israel, people prepare for the possibility of a radioactive leak from the research reactors despite the high levels of safety. On the basis of a government decision, Logol tablets have been distributed to the residents living near the research reactors. The purpose of the distrubution is to make sure the tablets are available to residents in the event that taking them becomes necessary.

Table of contents

What, in fact, is the risk?

What are Logol tablets?

Preparation

What, in fact, is the risk?

In the event that the research reactors are in some way damaged, radioactive materials might spread to the surrounding areas. These materials give off ionizing radiation that might harm people and animals.

It should be stressed that the reactors in the State of Israel are operated and maintained at the highest levels of safety, based on some of the most advanced technology and standards in the world. The reactors are regularly inspected by professional oversight personnel. The risk of damage that might cause radioactive materials to leak at a rate that would endanger the population of the State of Israel is very small.

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What are Logol tablets?

Logol tablets are an anti-radiation protection against radioactive iodine.

The tablets are distributed to people living near the research reactors for protection in case of a radioactive materials leak.

Logol tablets have been used extensively in the world in areas with radioactive reactors.

In many countries, including Switzerland, Finland and Sweden, Logol tablets are distributed in large areas in non-emergency times to protect people in time of need.

The tablets shut down the thyroid gland, thereby offering protection against the worst damage that radiation can cause. When exposed to radiation, the body absorbs radioactive iodine which travels to the thyroid through the circulatory system and lodges there. From the thyroid, the radioactive iodine irradiates surrounding tissue, and causes catastrophic damage to the body.

Logol tablets contain 130 mg. of the active ingredient potassium iodide. When Logol tablets are ingested, the potassium iodide reaches the thyroid ahead of the radioactive iodine and quickly settles in the thyroid gland, filling it to capacity. By taking over the thyroid gland, Logol tablets prevent radioactive iodine from entering. If the person taking the Logol is exposed to radioactive iodine, the radioactive material has no chance of breaching the thyroid thanks to the potassium iodide already there. Be aware that taking Logol tablets is not recommended until the risk of a radioactive leak in the area has been confirmed.

There is no benefit in taking Logol tablets ahead of time.

Do not take Logol tablets unless instructed to do so by the Home Front Command via the various media.

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Preparation

In accordance with the decision of the government to distribute Logol tablets to people living near the reactors, the Home Front Command has distributed them in the following cities and towns:

Yeruham, Kasifa, Dimona, Arara in the Negev, Ein Hatzeva, Neot Hakikar, Idan, Ein Tamar, Neve Zohar, and Hatzeva,

as well as in the scattered Bedouin encampments amongst the following tribes:

Al Hawashla, Azzama, Abu Krinat, Abu Awayid, and Abu Suleb.

The distribution areas were determined by professionals after assessing the risks and studying possible worst-case scenarios. People living in other parts of Israel do not need to keep Logol tablets in their homes.

The tablets were distributed to make them readily available, thereby enabling residents to take them should the need arise. In the future, the tablets will be distributed again, to refresh and complete the supplies.

Residents of these areas, who have received Logol tablets, are asked to store them in the original packaging according to the instructions on the package (similarly to storing prescription medicines), and to make sure that they are accessible to all family members. It is recommended to have a talk with the family in order to make sure that everyone knows about the tablets, where they are stored, and how to use them according to directions.

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