Extension of iodine pill distribution: a necessary but insufficient measure. Iodine pills: French people are particularly poorly protected in case of nuclear accident. France should extend the distribution of iodine pills around nuclear installations

Whereas, after the Fukushima accident, neighbouring countries (Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg) have extended the distribution of iodine pills, a first publication highlights the necessity to do the same in France in order to comply with recommendations of the IAEA for the preparedness to nuclear emergency. After having recalled the reasons for the use of iodine pills, and their use in different countries (Japan after Fukushima, Poland after Chernobyl), it indicates recommendations for the administration of these pills, and then discusses the range within which pills are distributed in France and in other countries. It discusses what will happen beyond this distribution area, evokes border issues, briefly comments the importance of the thyroid exposure level in the distribution of iodine pills, and recommendations made in neighbouring countries. It indicates administration procedures defined by various agencies and studies, and outlines the need of population information. A second document contains a slightly different presentation of the same issues to show that French people are notably poorly protected in case of nuclear accident regarding the distribution of iodine pills. Based on similar elements, a press communique outlines the need of an extension of iodine pill distribution around nuclear installations