The primary function of potassium iodide in radiation emergencies is to saturate the thyroid gland with non-radioactive iodine. The thyroid gland cannot differentiate between radioactive and non-radioactive iodine. By providing the thyroid with a sufficient amount of stable iodine, KI prevents the uptake of radioactive iodine, thereby reducing the risk of thyroid cancer and other related diseases. This protective mechanism is crucial in the event of a nuclear accident, where radioactive iodine may be released into the environment.
