“There is no need to worry about radiation, and there is no reason to take potassium iodide,” Assoc. Prof. Zhana Dzhunova, director of the National Center of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection (NCRRP) said for the Bulgarian news agency BTA. To be effective, potassium iodide, which is in tablet form, has to be taken 24 hours before the appearance of any radiation, and no later than 2 hours after. One tablet is enough.

"Tablets in appropriate dosage are not available at pharmacies. Such tablets are purchased by the state and distributed," Assoc. Prof. Dzhunova said further. "Readings are taken in the country every day and the population will be warned in good time when and whether they should take iodine tablets. Far from providing any protection, a tablet taken before a radioactive cloud appears is actually harmful," Assoc. Prof. Zhana Dzhunova said.