Iodide can reduce radioactive iodine thyroid uptake and whole-body irradiation. Maximal effectiveness is obtained when 3 conditions are fulfilled: adequate dosage: potassium iodide 130 mg (i.e. iodide 100 mg) as tablets in adults and older children, 50 mg in infants under one year of age; prompt administration after contamination and daily treatment as long as the contamination persists. Depending on the importance and duration of the contamination, different dosages may be required. In any case, children must be given priority for prophylactic measures.