However, the pills are not recommended for people aged over 40 and they should not be taken ahead of time as a preventative measure, according to the World Health Organisation. Radioactive iodine ...

Iodine can block the thyroid gland's take-up of radioactive iodine, but the pills can also cause medical ... Both levels are too small to cause radiation sickness. The administration has now ...

In some areas, officials are already handing out the pills, which can stop the body absorbing radioactive iodine. Residents have been told only to take it if a radiation leak is confirmed.