As with any substance, someone who has never taken potassium iodide before may suddenly develop an allergic reaction. Usually an allergic response to potassium iodide affects the skin the most, taking the form of rashes or acne, reports to Dr. Elson M. Haas. According to an American Cancer Society statement that Professor Ralph W. Moss calls "outdated," excessive use of potassium iodide, even without allergy, may cause pimples, swelling of the glands similar to mumps, runny eyes and nose and impotence. However, in his fairly recent book, Health and Nutrition Secrets, Dr. Russell L. Blaylock echoes the "outdated" American Cancer Society statement: "Higher doses in both adults and babies can cause a greater number of side effects and offers no further protection. In general, the side effects are mild and include swelling of the salivary glands, a metallic taste in the mouth, sore teeth and gums, gastrointestinal upset and/or skin rashes." Though these potential side effects, in my opinion, should not be enough to dissuade you from taking potassium iodide in the event of a nuclear emergency, they should be enough to warn you not to "overdose" yourself on potassium iodide. On the other hand, there has also been a historical association between potassium iodide and cancer, the very disease that it is supposed to prevent. In the famous case involving anti-cancer tonic creator Harry Hoxsey, a number of cancer specialists testified that potassium iodide, which was one of the ingredients in Hoxsey's mixture, might actually speed up the growth of cancerous tumors. However, many other researchers deny the link between potassium iodide and faster tumor growth. http://www.newstarget.com/012388.html
Iodine Warning ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I received this warning from Bill Landers, President of OraTec Corporation, earlier this week. I don't recall ever suggesting the use of iodine in home irrigators, nor do I recall speaking with anyone who does. Nonetheless, here is a warning about using iodine: "WARNING! Patients should NOT irrigate with Povodine Iodine at home. It is dangerous. In a recent study, 100% of regular users developed abnormal thyroid function. If you or anyone you know is recommending iodine for home use, please forward this warning. "I just attended a lecture at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore. The principle speakers were Dr. Tom Rams [Senior Associate Dean; Chair, Dept of Periodontology and Director of the Oral MIcrobiology Teting Lab at Temple School of Dentistry] and Dr. Larry Page [periodontist, PhD microbiologist and Professor of Periodontology at Temple]. "Dr. Rams was emphatic that patients NOT use iodine as a rinse or irrigant during home care. Aperiodic use during professional, in-office treatment may be OK, but not regular home use. It affects thyroid function in 100% of regular users. In a recent study, EVERYONE who irrigated with iodine as a part of home care had abnormal thyroid function!" However, an RDH who also attended the seminar reported the following as being claimed: "Home irrigation with a bleach solution (1/2 tsp. bleach to 30 ozs. H2O) is the most effective." The suggestion of using chlorine was posted many, many months ago at the OraMedia site - derived from an e-mail by Dr. Paul Keyes, who was also in attendance at the Baltimore seminar over the weekend. Personally, I like the idea of cranberry juice or TheraSol for irrigating. Read on...
http://mizar5.com/arch11.25.02Cranberries.html "As to the other properties, iodine in solution - or atomic iodine that is non-poisonous in its reaction - may be used. "If Atomidine is used, add - to each ounce - six minims. "If Tincture of Iodine is used, add - to each ounce - three minims. http://www.geocities.com/Athens/5692/pyorrhea.htm
Torrie