The escalating conflict in Europe has led to a surge in demand for potassium iodide pills over fears of a nuclear disaster

There’s been cases of price gouging across the United States and Europe, over fears of radioactive fallout.

After Russia’s recent attack on Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, pharmacies across America and Europe began to notice a surge in demand for potassium iodide.

As Russia continues its assault across Ukraine, and nuclear powers come head to head, for many customers it’s a case of what if.

In such an event, radioactive iodide would enter the atmosphere, which contaminates water, soil, plants and our lungs.

Although potassium iodide isnt harmful, the radioactive variety can harm the thyroid, which produces many of the hormones that regulate the body.

Large manufacturers of potassium iodide tablets have seen their stock rapidly disappear over recent weeks.

And as supplies dry up, prices have soared.

A box that usually sells for $14 is now going for over 100.

The pills dont offer 100% protection against radioactive iodide and America’s CDC warns they only work for certain age groups.

One of America’s top suppliers is directing visitors to its website that it’s sold out.

But this isn’t new. Historically whenever there’s a real or perceived threat of nuclear fallout, demand for potassium iodide soars. The last time was in 2018, when Donald Trump escalated fears of a conflict with North Korea. 

Customers who have bought the pills are being warned to only take them on the direction of health officials.