ML19256G348
| ML19256G348 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/21/1979 |
| From: | Hendrie J NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Harris P HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES, DEPT. OF |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7912310126 | |
| Download: ML19256G348 (1) | |
Text
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November 21, 1979 OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Patricia ilarris Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Washington, D.C.
20201
Dear Madam Secretary:
In the last two years, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has had many requests from State and local governments asking when the Federal government would publish policy and guidance on the use of thyroid blocking agents to prevent the uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid. Although the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) Report Number 55 on
" Protection of the Thyroid Gland in the Event of Release of Radiciodine" was published in late 1977 and contains some useful guidance, the States are properly looking to the Federal government for additional direction on this protective measure in specific accident situations.
The accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant has further highlighted this vital area of concern.
The NRC is currently developing recommendations on the extent to which thyroid blocking agents should be stockpiled for use around nuclear power plants.
I understand that your Bureau of Drugs is doing some work on the conditions under which thyroid blocking agents should be administered to the general public. We would appreciate any efforts your Department can make to accelerate development of the Bureau of Drugs policy and guidance on this matter.
S Sincerely,
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A WO4
% Joseph M.
endrie Chairman 1661 264
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