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.

Sales of potassium iodide or KI pills, which are often marketed as ... since this can drastically reduce your radiation exposure. Third, Buddemeier said, "I would probably grab a breakfast bar ...

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.