In the wake of Japan's disaster, many of us have spent some time considering the dangers of radiation. Sales of potassium iodide, the main treatment for radiation exposure, have soared, even here in the United States. In 2004, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology put out a position statement on The Risk of Severe Allergic Reactions from the Use of Potassium Iodide for Radiation Emergencies. Here are some take-away points: