pharmacies began to run low on the pills. In the event of a nuclear catastrophe, taking iodine can help to protect against some types of radiation exposure. During a such an event, radioactive ...

There has been a rush to buy medical iodine in Russia's far north, following a brief radiation spike linked ... take-up of radioactive iodine, but the pills can also cause medical problems.

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.