(KMOV) – A Fenton, Missouri company that manufactures Thyroshield, an FDA approved liquid which offers protection from cancer-causing radiation is ramping up production to ship the drug to Japan and the West Coast.
After 9/11, Congress passed an anti-terrorism bill which included provisions if an attack on a nuclear plant happened. One of those provisions was supplying Thyroshield to all residents living within 10 miles of a nuclear plant.
Thyroshield is a thyroid blocker that works best if it’s taken within 24 hours of radiation exposure. It’s important because it is the only potassium iodide made in liquid form. The pill is for adults only, unless you grind it up and guess at the right dose for children.
In the wake of the Japan disaster, the drug is in high demand – the Red Cross is ordering it and CNN is getting it for its reporters and photographers.
Some doses of Thyroshield are now losing their shelf life, and some wonder if Missouri and Illinois will replenish their stock.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency said it is not prepared to answer that question, but will give an answer on Tuesday. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon’s office has yet to give an answer as well.
Be Well! With Infinite Love & Light, CrystaLin Joy