Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

Potassium iodide versus N95 masks : an effectiveness comparison

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/xg94hz43j

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  • The thyroid is an organ at risk during a radiological release involving a nuclear power plant due to the radioactive iodine released into the atmosphere. Potassium iodide tablets are commonly used to protect the thyroid during radioactive iodine exposure. Seventeen states currently provide potassium iodide to the public before an emergency occurs, but many barriers make the programs inefficient. This results in a low percentage of the public having potassium iodide on hand before a release occurs. For this reason, this work explored using N95 masks during a radiological release to protect the thyroid. N95 masks are effective at preventing the inhalation of aerosol-formed particles that are around 0.3 micrometers in diameter. Aerosol forms of iodine have been found to have particulates approximately that size, which suggests that N95 masks could potentially block some radioactive iodine from being inhaled. Radioactive iodine is also released in vapor form, which the N95 masks would not block. Overall, N95 masks, used with sheltering in place, may provide enough protection to the public and reduce their risk during a radiological release. At the very least, N95 masks can provide additional protection on top of potassium iodide tablets and sheltering in place and should be considered in nuclear emergency plans.
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