Posted on 03/15/2011 1:17:55 PM PDT by traumer
Firm gets three orders per MINUTE instead of per week People missing out on tablets are 'crying' and 'terrified' Fears radiation from Japan will reach U.S. West Coast
Worried Americans are panic-buying drugs to protect themselves against the nuclear fallout in Japan, as fears grow of harmful radiation blowing across to the West Coast. Stocks of potassium iodide tablets, which aim to stop radiation poisoning the thyroid gland, are running low and customers missing out are said to be crying or terrified. Scientists have warned of a 'worst-case scenario' in which material blasted into the atmosphere after a Fukushima plant meltdown could be blown towards the U.S.
Radioactive iodine can come out of a nuclear reactor in an accident, but other experts say there is a low chance of Japan's radiation reaching the U.S. at dangerous levels. Anbex quickly sold out of a 10,000-strong supply of 14-tablet packages on Saturday. Company president Alan Morris said the firm was getting three orders per minute for the $10 Iosat packages - compared to the normal rate of as low as three per week. Those who don't get it are crying, he told the Wall Street Journal. They're terrified.
Fleming Pharmaceuticals, which makes liquid potassium iodide, say they are getting dozens of calls and emails every hour for their 45ml $13.25 ThyroShield bottles.
It actually has been insanity here, co-owner Deborah Fleming Wurdack said. The company expects to sell out this week and is planning to manufacture more.
Drug supplier Nukepills.com sold 250,000 potassium iodide pills to pharmacies, labs, companies and hospitals last weekend, president Troy Jones told Fox News. It has back-ordered more than a million tablets and donated 50,000 to Japan.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Cass Sustein is so pleased; nudge nudge.
At least 1 section of the economy is thriving right now.
Please!? I think I’d worry more about a giant condor dragging me off the beach than radiation from Japan.
Yes, and for God's sake, don't forget to panic!!!
So where did this map come from?
The only danger is if kids are allergic to it.
Of course now I'm torn between staying prepared for an unrelated nuclear event on the east coast or making a tidy profit on ebay >:)
kb - I keep an extra pack on hand for you too. And I won't ever need them at all (no thyroid!).
I bought four bottles after 9/11, too, kept in a cool place.
Here’s what a physician wrote on our local NBC Bay Area website... FWIW:
David & all: Here’s a letter I lifted from the NBC Bay Area site (comments section): FWIW... “As a doctor, I find the surgeon general’s comments utterly irresponsible and potentially dangerous.
Potassium iodide (KI) is not a general purpose treatment for radiation exposure. No one should take potassium iodide without being instructed to do so. Allergic reactions are possible.
Further, there are a limited number of KI tablets available and those tablets should be provided only to those who are most likely to be exposed to highly elevated levels of radiation. Otherwise many who might benefit will not have access to KI while many who are nowhere near being exposed have the tablets.
I’m astounded that surgeon general, especially a Naval doctor, would be so unthinkingly irresponsible as to indicate that everyone in CA should get the tablets. She should be relieved of duty and a replacement found that is responsible, knowledgeable and understands the gravity of the situation.” (http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Surgeon-General-Buying-Iodine-Appropriate-118031559.html)
You should put them up on ebay. Seriously! I bet some moron will pay a premium price for them. If you do sell on ebay, post the link so we can all watch and laugh.
Thank God I bought all those shares in a potassium iodide mine!
Thank you for your kind note even though what I said was not directed to you. The person to whom it was directed did not get ‘disgusted’ like you. She took what I said differently. She and I have since then exchanged emails privately about this and similar relevant topics with none of the vitriol you seem to have.
Truthfully, I never read past your ‘disgusted’ remark. I really don’t bother with people like you.
ROTGLMAO!!! Thanks, you made me howl! :)
Quite honestly, if I could get them to Japan, I would gladly donate them.
I’m sure they’re outdated by now, but I would take great joy in extracting money from some Looney Liberal from CA.
ebay, huh? Let me think about that. Will let you know if I do.
panax
You’re right! I just checked ebay and people are bidding like crazy (even for outdated pills). I have 5 bottles of 200 ea, 65 mg.
Maybe if they sell the proceeds could offset the $1320.00 I spent today on Gold & Silver Eagles!
Brilliant minds, and all that! I posted the same link.
Ha! As Robert Heinlein so poignantly wrote:
When in danger,
Or in doubt,
Run in circles,
Scream and shout.
:)
What an appropriate UserID.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.