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Guest Post: Nuke Pills Top $200 Per Pack On Auction Sites; Prices Up 1900% In Just A Few Days

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Submitted by Mac Slave of SHTFplan.com

Nuke Pills Top $200 Per Pack On Auction Sites; Prices up 1900% in Just a Few Days

As the effects of the nuclear disaster in Japan remain unclear,
panicked US residents are doing whatever they can to get their hands on
Potassium Iodide pills.

Distributors of the FDA recommended pills have run out of stock, with
one manufacturer reporting that they sold some 250,000 individual
packets in a single weekend.

As we reported in What Your Grocery Store Will Look Like In An Emergency, at the onset of a far-from-equilibrium event, the essentials go first. In Japan, food and especially water have become scarce.

The panic is spreading, and residents in the US, fearing a fallout
cloud crossing the pacific and affecting Western states, are stocking up
as well.

The top priority? Potassium Iodide – or nuke pills.

In recent days, the Surgeon General has advised concerned West Coast
residents to get a hold of Potassium Iodide in the event of a radiation
threat in the US.

The supply crunch and high demand has forced buyers to turn to the
secondary market for acquiring the FDA recommended potassium iodide
supplements, driving prices to upwards of $200 for a 14 dose packet. The suggested retail price offered by the supplier at NukePills.com is $10 per pack, indicating that demand has forced prices up as much as 1900% in just a few days.

Radiation monitoring equipment like Geiger counters have also
exploded in price since just prior to the nuclear crisis. Normally
costing approximately $50 per unit, prices have reached several hundred
dollars, an increase of over 250% in some cases:

From the FDA:

The effectiveness of KI as a specific blocker of thyroid
radioiodine uptake is well established. When administered in the
recommended dose, KI is effective in reducing the risk of thyroid cancer
in individuals or populations at risk for inhalation or ingestion of
radioiodines. KI floods the thyroid with non-radioactive iodine and
prevents the uptake of the radioactive molecules, which are

 

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Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:18 | 1061972 CPL
CPL's picture

two words....Siflo Salt. 

Costs 2 bucks a box.  Main ingredients and Sodium (So) and Potassium Iodine (KI).

 

Don't get ripped off if you are buying some.  It's been in table salt for 60 years.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:28 | 1062072 serotonindumptruck
serotonindumptruck's picture

Sea Kelp tablets, available in your vitamin/supplement aisle. Best source of natural iodine out there.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:32 | 1062511 CPL
CPL's picture

Sure fill your boots.

$800 for an iPad

$20 for 500 sea kelp pills.

or

$300 for a Laptop with Ubuntu linux

$2 for three pounds of iodized Salt.

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:34 | 1062524 chunga
chunga's picture

Not to stoke the hysteria train and I know this isn't webMD but can we expound on this more? How many people are in Japan right now who are hypothyroid looking for Synthroid. As part of the carefully crafted contingency plans I bet a lot of pharmacies are...umm...missing. My better half is going to discuss this with her doc and nurse practioner.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:16 | 1062582 Misstrial
Misstrial's picture

Best substitute for potassium iodide is fermented milk products such as cultured kefir (real kefir, not the fake stuff), another would be fermented tea such as kombucha tea (the real stuff, not the fake).

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/13678339

One example of 'real stuff' kefir are the ones produced by Nancy's Dairy:

http://www.nancysyogurt.com/nancys_products/kefir.php

You can also make your own kefir using kefir grains and organic milk:

http://www.kefir-grains.org

~Misstrial 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:25 | 1062884 chunga
chunga's picture

Bookmarked. Thank you! If my wife (she's an RN) learns anything from her doctor or practitioner I'll pass it on. Is it just me or does it seem like we're living in a sci-fi movie?

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 17:34 | 1063366 Misstrial
Misstrial's picture

Certainly we have entered the twilight zone.

All the best to you and your wife :)

~Misstrial

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:19 | 1062850 RockyRacoon
RockyRacoon's picture

I got mine already, 1 for the home, 1 for the bug-out bag.

And they are now sold out:

 

2x Source Naturals Potassium Iodide 32.5mg, 120 Tablets

Subtotal of Items:   $25.80

$25.80 Shipping & Handling:   $4.99 $4.99   ------ Total for this Order:   $30.79 $30.79
 
Delivery estimate: March 25, 2011 - April 6, 2011
Shipping estimate for these items: March 22, 2011 - March 28, 2011

  2 pkgs "Source Naturals Potassium Iodide 32.5mg, 120 Tablets"
Wed, 03/16/2011 - 17:03 | 1063100 chumbawamba
chumbawamba's picture

I picked up 500g of USP (pharmaceutical grade) potassium iodide in granular (salt) form from a local chemical supply house.  $78 after tax.  I have ~3,800 adult doses in hand.

KI in bulk was available on eBay from various sellers as of a couple days ago.  The situation is probably much tigther now.

Consider iodized salt and other natural sources, such as sea kelp.  See if your local health food store has anything in stock.

Get it soon.  Chances are you won't have to use it, but the situation seems to be changing by the second, and I am not in a mood to trust those who say "don't worry".  Not worrying is what got the world where it's at today.

I am Chumbawamba.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 18:36 | 1063741 thegr8whorebabylon
thegr8whorebabylon's picture

water purification tablets in emergency kits!

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 17:11 | 1063148 Spalding_Smailes
Spalding_Smailes's picture

I just got fucked over by " the vitamin shoppe ".

 

As I was giving a follow up call on my order status the bitch told me my order ( placed on monday mourning ) was now on back order until the middle of June.

 

Un fucking real, the bitch manager also gave me the same line of bullshit. So Spalding says, pass the word " the vitamin shoppe " = dog shit .....

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 17:16 | 1063194 chumbawamba
chumbawamba's picture

You're a fucking idiot.  If you do get radiation sickness it'll be a gift from God.  Not for anyone else, but for yourself.

I am Chumbawamba.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 17:48 | 1063442 Misstrial
Misstrial's picture

No worries - be innovative and drink a quart of kefir everyday or 2 C of kombucha tea every day. Health food markets sell kombucha tea - there is a really good one - my son drinks it whenever he's sick. Get the brands that don't have the fancy flavors such as fruit.

Just get an original brew & comes in a beer-type bottle that states 'Raw' or 'Effervescent' on the label - real simple.

~Misstrial

 

Thu, 03/17/2011 - 04:35 | 1065676 Silver Super Bu...
Silver Super Bull Market's picture


So many natural home remedies to eliminate the radiation on & in your body.

Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.  Drink it & take a bath.  Fill your tub with water, add some Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar to the water, soak in it and your golden!

Its very innexpensive!  $15 for a gallon!

 

Visit our facebook page!  "SILVER SUPER BULL MARKET"  gogogo!!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Silver-Super-BULL-Market/131380060264978?ref=ts

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:18 | 1061977 malikai
malikai's picture

Yet another good analysis Turd. My big question here is what this new bear market is going to do to things. Everybody is expecting a selloff, myself included. But with the nonflight to treasuries during the beginning of the MENA deal, will we really see treasuries as the risk-off play, or will it be PMs? Inquiring minds..

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:22 | 1062021 malikai
malikai's picture

Also, gold down to 1390s now.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:24 | 1062036 velobabe
velobabe's picture

just out of curiousity mr ferg, why don't you list zerohedge as one of the blogs you follow? you post your blog on the first post on this article and want others to link to your site, but you give zerohedge no credit†

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:54 | 1062590 Spalding_Smailes
Spalding_Smailes's picture

He's a snake oil salesman, he spammed ZH for 6-8 weeks. Stealing gold • silver readership from Tyler.

And he blames Blythe for any loss incured on his advice, a masterstroke for any salesman. And the sheep drink this crap down like monkeys.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:55 | 1062259 baby_BLYTHE
baby_BLYTHE's picture

thx, Turd ;)

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:51 | 1063035 Yen Cross
Yen Cross's picture

Thanking a Turd is so unorthodox But I love you both! NICE1

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:22 | 1061880 bob_dabolina
bob_dabolina's picture

The cores aren't the only thing melting usd/jpy seems about to breach its containment vessel

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:52 | 1063041 Yen Cross
Yen Cross's picture

77.5

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:06 | 1061887 TeamAmerica
TeamAmerica's picture

The whole potassium iodide panic is just sooooooooo stupid.  Go ahead and piss your money away people.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:10 | 1061927 drink or die
drink or die's picture

I agree....we will probably be getting low doses over a large period of time (months).  Can't stay on iodine tablets that long.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:13 | 1061949 reading
reading's picture

You can stay on iodine long term -- it is actually very beneficial.  You should try it. Just because the US iodine-phobic and prefers to fill our food supply with toxic bromides certainly doesn't make it a good idea.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:15 | 1061962 drink or die
drink or die's picture

There are still to this day deaths caused by Chernobyl.

Natural sources of iodine are good for you though, I agree about that.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:18 | 1061974 reading
reading's picture

I am not saying it will solve all your problems, but you can continue to stay on iodine to protect your thyroid indefinitely.  Iodine can only protect you from radioactive iodine exposure however the other exposures are certainly still a factor.

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:20 | 1061992 duo
duo's picture

KI won't help you with Plutonium poisoning, or Cesium for that matter.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:58 | 1062279 ColonelCooper
ColonelCooper's picture

Both of which are too heavy to travel that far anyway.  (Please correct if wrong)  The radioactive iodine is what would be present in fallout IF it were to get across the Pacific. 

My understanding is that the issue is more a matter of whether or not the glowing iodine will get here, not whether or not KI will help.

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:06 | 1062320 papaswamp
papaswamp's picture

They potentially could travel that far but the KI will only work on gamma emitters such as I-131. Cesium 139 is mostly a beta emitter though can penetrate skin it causes localized damage versus migrating to thyroid.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:14 | 1062385 tmosley
tmosley's picture

Please don't make things up.  KI works ONLY against radioactive iodide, and does so PURELY by preventing uptake (it saturates the receptors in your thyroid).

It will NOT WORK AGAINST ANYTHING ELSE.  It is only good for avoiding long term danger, and only if you are fairly far from the meltdown.  If you get a significant dose of radioactive heavy metals, kiss your ass goodbye.  No amount of salt is going to save you.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:14 | 1062397 ColonelCooper
ColonelCooper's picture

Help us out Mosley.  Give us another recap of the "heavy"/"light" shit.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:12 | 1062386 ColonelCooper
ColonelCooper's picture

But isn't the Cesium heavy enough that it is unlikely to get as far as US given the type of release?  (meaning explosions not reaching that high of altitude)

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:54 | 1062672 Misstrial
Misstrial's picture

That's what I'm thinking. Having flown a number of times across the Pacific, its unlikely that the heavy particles would be able to be carried very far, even by winds. Just not going to happen.

The lighter particulates, maybe yes, unless there is a tropical rainstorm over the Pacific which would cause these lighter particles to wash down into the ocean.

The thing is half-life and how long each particle is going to give off radiation and where these ultimately end up.

~Misstrial

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:13 | 1061954 ColonelCooper
ColonelCooper's picture

Panicking is stupid.  Having it is not.  Even though this is most likely not going to have an effect on US, similar instances could happen here.  What people need to do is sit back, open a damn book (web page) and do some homework.  Figure out what you need to do to avoid this abortion if an accident happens in your own backyard, and then, get after it.  After the shitstorm settles.

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:23 | 1062037 TeamAmerica
TeamAmerica's picture

Agreed.  Own it because you live near a nuclear plant, not because you fear fallout from Fukushima.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:57 | 1063074 Yen Cross
Yen Cross's picture

OK I'll eat clay Andy.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:05 | 1061888 malikai
malikai's picture

Forget about SSKI. Smart people are stocking up on kelp supplements, prussian blue, and red wine.

Also, I guess eBay doesn't have a limit up/down.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:49 | 1063029 NotApplicable
NotApplicable's picture

I'm sure the Teleprompter-in-Chief will soon lead the evil-do(good)ers in a campaign against the demonic eBay, and their anti-socialist freedom to sell at whatever price one is willing to pay.

How DARE they!

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:53 | 1063052 Yen Cross
Yen Cross's picture

This twister has some vigor!!

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:06 | 1061891 dark pools of soros
dark pools of soros's picture

looks like someone made their quarter.....

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:06 | 1061893 Putty
Putty's picture

Baaaaaa!  $200 for a pack of pills, come on!

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:19 | 1061995 alien-IQ
alien-IQ's picture

that's about the same cost as a really exquisite half oz. of hydroponic green. And I hear it works wonders against radiation sickness. I'll have to do some more research and get back to you guys with my results.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:24 | 1062048 TeamAmerica
TeamAmerica's picture

If that stuff is really exquisite, you'll never get around to telling us the results.  :-)

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:44 | 1062175 alien-IQ
alien-IQ's picture

what results?:-)

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:52 | 1062244 snowball777
snowball777's picture

*cough*

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 17:13 | 1063158 Yen Cross
Yen Cross's picture

snow flakes. poofff.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:24 | 1062865 SPONGE
SPONGE's picture

speaking of...

it's extremely important to only smoke organic. Cannabis is notorious for absorbing radiation.Chemical fertilizers always contain some amount of radiation. This is why it was planted for many miles surrounding Chernobyl following the accident. The cannabis was used to remove the radiation from the soil.

   The same is true for tobacco. Even C. Everett Koop claimed that 90% of smoking fatalities are from radiation poisoning.

   Smoke organic

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:07 | 1061898 max2205
max2205's picture

not in CPI....no worries

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:07 | 1061900 bob_dabolina
bob_dabolina's picture

Ya know what is kind of scaring the shit out of me?

Obamas silence.

This is a guy who jumps on T.V first chance he gets in a situation like this.

...the silence and seemingly dispassionate response is creeping the fuck out of me. Is he in the bunker already or what?

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:10 | 1061923 dark pools of soros
dark pools of soros's picture

he's returning Bush's goat book as we speak..  much wisdom in goats

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:09 | 1061930 Weaseldog
Weaseldog's picture

'President Obama' aka 'Sir Not Appearing in this Film'.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:12 | 1061943 IrishSamurai
IrishSamurai's picture

He's busy learning the Austrian language for his speech in Rio while working on his short game and counting the money he made on his investments in companies with awesome "profits to earnings" ratios ...

He's so bat shit stupid ... it is actually good that he isn't speaking up.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:12 | 1062379 SilverIsKing
SilverIsKing's picture

I've always maintained that there is going to come a time when we don't see him for a while and that's going to be a precursor to something big.  Thanks for pointing it out but I wholeheartedly agree with you that his absence is suspicious.  He may be preparing "the speech."

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:09 | 1061909 reader2010
reader2010's picture

it was priced at $440 a pack yesterday on amazon, and the day before was at $35.

Thu, 03/17/2011 - 09:55 | 1066330 chumbawamba
chumbawamba's picture

Supply and Demand is a thing of beauty to behold.

I am Chumbawamba.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:07 | 1061910 Franken_Stein
Franken_Stein's picture

 

And what about gas masks with active carbon filters ?

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:39 | 1062138 serotonindumptruck
serotonindumptruck's picture

You ever try wearing a respirator longer than an hour? I assure you that it ain't fun.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:02 | 1062293 ColonelCooper
ColonelCooper's picture

Yes.  They SUCK.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:09 | 1061915 molecool
molecool's picture

Those $200 would be better spent donating to flood/radiation victims in Japan. But of course especially here on the West Coast nobody gives a rat's rectum about anyone but themselves.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:19 | 1061996 economessed
economessed's picture

+32 fl.oz. Mole.

At some point, the genetic predisposition we have as a society to try to profit from every damn thing needs to be set aside.  We're hostages on this planet -- nobody's getting off alive.  We might as well try and make it not suck as much while we're here.

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:20 | 1062016 flattrader
flattrader's picture

Speaking of the west coast--

http://www.foxbusiness.com/on-air/cavuto/transcript/major-earthquake-nor...

Panic now.  Avoid the rush.

No, seriously.  I have updated bug-out bag, preps and mobile plans in the past few days.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:45 | 1062182 tahoebumsmith
tahoebumsmith's picture

Yeah I got ridiculed a few days ago when I posted my plan of action. Now it seems there are more and more people starting to think the same way. I call it instintual nesting...Believe it or not humans have that extra sense and take precautions for reasons they may not realize yet. In reference to my comments a few days back, I expressed my concerns for a code red prediction by webbots on March 20th for the West coast, once again I was told to take a chill pill. This link you provided raises the bar in my eyes and might explain why people in California are preparing for something to come.

http://www.foxbusiness.com/on-air/cavuto/transcript/major-earthquake-north-america-imminent#ixzz1Gml6HC3b

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:54 | 1062251 flattrader
flattrader's picture

Got an email from a friend re: web bot release language etc...Interesting for sure.

Just continue on with your plans and ignore the ridicule.  Even if you never use them for a large catastrophe, you'll be amazed at how handy they can be in even minor mayhem situations.

I will be at a vernal pre-equinox party this weekend...bonfire, beer, etc...with my mobile preps along for the ride.

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 17:01 | 1063088 Yen Cross
Yen Cross's picture

it's the Radioactive nature of the Game. You survived and did well. Wecome to the possy!!!!!

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:23 | 1062032 Idiot Savant
Idiot Savant's picture

++ - It's very interesting watching the Japanese people deal with this catastrophe. They remain civil and calm in the face of utter devastation and food/water shortages. A much different scene than feces smearing Americans in New Orleans. There'd be massive riots/looting if this occurred in the US.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:30 | 1062092 Out9922
Out9922's picture

Watch the "Super-Moon" on Saturday.  Multiple Planets and that comet elenin was alligned when the Quake hit on the 11th

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:46 | 1062200 flattrader
flattrader's picture

Berkland has credibility re: his earthquake studies.

There is also a relationship between large solar flares/CMEs and quake activity.  This solar cycle which was initially expected to be quiet, suddenly got active over the past couple of months.

If nothing else it says review. rotate and restock.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:32 | 1062099 Out9922
Out9922's picture

Watch the "Super-Moon" on Saturday.  Multiple Planets and that comet elenin was alligned when the Quake hit on the 11th

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 17:03 | 1063097 Yen Cross
Yen Cross's picture

I Missed this one. You need to have more fun with this one! Please?

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:09 | 1061925 Fredd00
Fredd00's picture

Ben can print these tabs. Besides don't buy them now, wait for the dip to buy

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:11 | 1061931 More_sellers_th...
More_sellers_than_buyers's picture

Just a side story... My parents live near a reactor...a few years back the utility came to their home and dropped off potassium iodide and a sign to hang in the window stating wether anyone is home or not...my mother being the worry wart that she is asked the gentlemen for some extra packets of iodide...his response, "Sure lady, I'll give you whatever you want, but if you ever really need to take it your fucked anyway" --no lie

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:13 | 1061951 dark pools of soros
dark pools of soros's picture

fried eyeballs come to mind...

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:17 | 1062405 SilverIsKing
SilverIsKing's picture

Your mother should be a seller right about now.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:24 | 1061936 bob_dabolina
bob_dabolina's picture

byebye usd/jpy

Freefall

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:11 | 1061940 Tense INDIAN
Tense INDIAN's picture

Since expecting a fall for NIFTY tomorrow ...here are the important Support trend line ....

 


Important support levels

 

http://markettechnicals-jonak.blogspot.com/

 

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:14 | 1061947 john_connor
john_connor's picture

Potassium Iodide pills will only protect your Thyroid if taken quickly enough prior to fallout.  So radiation could affect every other part of your body.  Will they help marginally?  Maybe.  But no silver bullet

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:13 | 1061948 walcott
walcott's picture

the herd in action. A bunch of idiots. About the same as wal-mart on black friday.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 17:05 | 1063105 Yen Cross
Yen Cross's picture

That about says it right.moooo.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:13 | 1061953 Bagbalm
Bagbalm's picture

Wow I really missed my chance to profiteer. I bought 30 pounds of potassium iodide a few months ago. Somebody dropped it on a concrete floor and then swept it into a cardboard box. I bought it super cheap planning to dissolve it - filter it - and boil off the water to recrystalize it. By the time I would rush to try to do it now the crisis will be over methinks.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:15 | 1061955 entendance
Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:14 | 1061957 MachoMan
MachoMan's picture

Not to be an asshole, but this is why you buy shit BEFORE it is necessary to use it...  (presuming it is even a necessity in this case).  Be prepared.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:17 | 1061976 ColonelCooper
ColonelCooper's picture

+++

What are you some kind of MoonBat?  ;)

Disclosure: 42nd level Moonbat

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:21 | 1062022 SPONGE
SPONGE's picture

Exactly. I've kept enough P.I. in my fridge to supply all family, friends and their kids for the last ten years. Everybody laughs until they need it. Same will be true of food, Au & Ag.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:29 | 1062075 silvertrain
silvertrain's picture

 Ill 2nd The be prepared.. People wait until the last fucking second to do anything thinking Mama's going to come along and save there ass..

 My daughter left a Science project at home yesturday morning when it was due, just walked right out without it..I got back home and my wife asked me to run it over to the school for her, I said the fuck I will..She will remember it next time, if not then the time after that...

 It wasnt raining when Noah built the Ark, in fact it hadnt rained in several years...

 Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it..

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:57 | 1062270 TomJoad
TomJoad's picture

Two is one, and one is none.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:18 | 1062416 ColonelCooper
ColonelCooper's picture

Rawlesian are we?

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:27 | 1062895 RockyRacoon
RockyRacoon's picture

Good for you.  Most science fair projects are made by the parents these days anyhow.

Or bought:

Hundreds of Science Fair Projects For Students

http://www.google.com/search?q=science+fair+projects&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&a...

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:05 | 1062318 seek
seek's picture

ZH has a disproportionately high percentage of its user base that are survivialists. I'm a moonbat too.

The profiteering is pretty extreme on the KI, though. Like others here I have enough for family, friends, and likely every neighbor within a 1/4 mile of me.

I'd still say this is fringe preparation, though. The thing that kills me is when people don't even have 3 days of food/water on hand. (Not talking months or years here, just three friggin' days!) Even in wealthy areas it seems like there is just zero consideration for even the slightest disruption to commerce.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:22 | 1062447 ColonelCooper
ColonelCooper's picture

Things have improved over the years, but I remember when sometimes the backroads wouldn't get plowed for days.  More and more underground powerlines have been put in, but we've had storms that have knocked out power for almost two weeks.

I think country people just have shit because they grew up not knowing for sure when the next time was that they'd be able to get it.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:43 | 1062974 NotApplicable
NotApplicable's picture

ZH also has a high percentage of free-marketers who understand that there is no such thing as a profiteer (defined as someone taking advantage of their "pricing power").

Without consumer demand, there is no pricing power. Without this pricing power in times of demand (i.e., gov price controls), then there is no supply available, with the exception of the now illegal black market, where the risk of prosecution raises prices and profits even further than they would be otherwise.

If profiteering were real, it would lead to infinite prices, as it implies that the seller has all of the power, and thus, no upper limit. Obviously this is not so, as a market price emerges far below infinity. Sellers raise prices as supplies become tighter in order to retain an inventory (as their restocking costs will go up as well, assuming they can find further supplies in the wholesale/manufacturer market).

Simply put, a seller chooses to ignore low bids because they value their stock more than the current market price. Until a price level is reached where this is no longer true, there will be perceived "shortages" even if stocks are not yet depleted, but sitting in a warehouse somewhere.

While it looks bad to see stuff sitting in a warehouse, it beats not having any left at all.

Price discovery is a very important function that best directs the efficient consumption of resources to those that need it most. Ice sales are a great example. If the current non-disaster price is kept, it will be gone in an instant, with those who got there first receiving all of the gains (and less likely to use it sparingly). If the price is raised though, even those who get to the store later may be able to still get some, with the high price curbing their desire to perhaps purchase beyond their immediate needs.

With something easily stored like iodine, there is simply no excuse for waiting for a disaster to prepare. You are simply paying a high cost for the convenience of apathy.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:50 | 1063026 ronin12
ronin12's picture

+1

Thanks for alleviating any guilt I may have had for running home and trying to sell my boxes of KI for $200 a pop. :)

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:53 | 1063044 NotApplicable
NotApplicable's picture

Thank Murray Rothbard, he's the one who made it all perfectly clear to me.

Anarcho-Capitalism, FTW!

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:50 | 1062649 Agent P
Agent P's picture

You are not an asshole and I agree with your point 100%.  However, I would guess that the vast majority of people buying in the last four days have never heard of Potassium Iodide before.  Fox News, CNN, etc. have all reported on the pills recently, first on what it is, then on the mad rush/lack of availability issue.  When the media says BOO!, people jump.

Food, water and other essentials however, I'm pretty sure people are aware of...no excuse for not having these items on hand at all times.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:20 | 1061993 Comrade de Chaos
Comrade de Chaos's picture

There could be cheap potassium iodine at Trader Joe's. http://tinyurl.com/4gqrybn


Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:30 | 1062081 cornedmutton
cornedmutton's picture

If you ABSOLUTELY think you MUST have iodine to protect your thyroid, you could just buy Iodized Salt and use that in place of regular table salt:

http://www.mortonsalt.com/products/foodsalts/salt_Plain.htm

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:00 | 1062283 reading
reading's picture

It doesn't have enough iodine in it...not to mention that type of salt (white processed salt) is really not good for you.  

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:20 | 1062012 Franken_Stein
Franken_Stein's picture

 

Here in Germany Geiger counters are sold out everywhere.

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:21 | 1062015 earnulf
earnulf's picture

KI is not usually carried by drug stores in the US, most supplies could be found at health food stores (prior to last weekend).   Wholesalers say the flood of orders on Monday was a "tsunami" in it's own right and cleared them out.    Next best thing is being recommended as kelp suppliments, per the health stores, this is what KI is refined from.    Most kelp suppliments provide 150% of the daily allowance of Iodine.    Also good according to the foodies is some types of sea salads which are also rich in iodine.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:24 | 1062049 MrBoompi
MrBoompi's picture

Iodine does little against the effects of strontium or cesium isotopes. I wonder if they would even tell us what kind of radiation we'd be subjected to?

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:06 | 1062750 Byte Me
Byte Me's picture

Dosing with an iodised supplement will do precisely nothing for you if the contaminating radionuclide is anything other than one of the radioisotopes of Iodine that result from fission (I131 say) - but since this only has a half-life of eight days so after a few months any emissions will be barely detectable.

Secondly, just how much are you expecting to blow over the Pacific? Iodine is soluble and fairly heavy, I doubt if you'll measure much - even in Alaska, let alone Wash or Cal.

The most likely outcome of this panic buying is that a goodly number of these 250000 Americans will probably poison themselves inadvertantly.

But wait, 250000 noble Yanks are buying up so that they can donate to the Japanese (who need them now)

/sarc

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:26 | 1062067 Strom
Strom's picture

Some sites are still offering them at standard pricing ($14.99/pack, which was what they were priced at before the events in Japan). I was thinking of adding to my KI supplies in my earthquake stash (being in CA near a nuclear plant), but I will wait until this whole thing blows over (no pun intended).

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:28 | 1062079 walcott
walcott's picture

you'll get more radiation every day from the sun in florida.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:30 | 1062083 gordengeko
gordengeko's picture

Ruh Roh raggy, let's drive the 12mpg non-radiation-proof mystery van to the neighborhood non-radiation-proof holistic store to buy some iodine pills so we can sleep well in our non-radiation-proof homes under our non-radiation-proof blankets knowing our thyroids are radiation-free.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:40 | 1062155 StychoKiller
StychoKiller's picture

Guess you already have one of these:

http://tektonbunkers.com/

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:44 | 1062173 gordengeko
gordengeko's picture

No just a tinfoil hat.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:04 | 1062315 Haywood Jablowme
Haywood Jablowme's picture

good thing it's rad-proof coated...

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:31 | 1062090 oddjob
oddjob's picture

Its amazing nobody has called a top on KI.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:32 | 1062098 gaoptimize
gaoptimize's picture

I think there is a general lesson about preparedness that goes beyond whether KI will ever be a good idea in the US for this incident:  People will not come out for the *FREE* KI pill give-away our local reactor (Calvert Cliffs) does annually.  But when the perception is that your well-being, health, or safety may be affected, people are willing to pay ~20X normal retail.

So, now is the time to think about purchasing:

- Physical silver and gold.

- Means to obtain and purify water

- Long-term storable foods and heirloom seeds (+tools and soil improvers)

- Guns and ammo

- If you can afford it, a way to generate some electricity

at normal retail prices.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:53 | 1062246 ColonelCooper
ColonelCooper's picture

Ding Ding Ding!!!  We have a winner. 

Of course when this all blows over, if you take steps to prepare yourself in a time of non-crises, you will have to suffer the humiliation of being called a Doomer, BunkerNut, Moonbat, and the like by people who will YET AGAIN find themselves fucked when the next crises arises.

We're a small club, but we sleep well.

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:05 | 1062327 Ruffcut
Ruffcut's picture

I picked up 4 bottles of KI for 6 bucks a piece.

Yep, feel stupid everytime I buy many of these preparing items.  I quit telling others and feeling more stoopid.

Maybe I get called out, because my tinfoil hat does not fit right.

Bunkernut is new one. Like it.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:10 | 1062371 Haywood Jablowme
Haywood Jablowme's picture

+ katadyn pocket micro

+ desalinator

+ 7.62

+ 1oz

+ mountain house meals

+ m40 gas mask

....too many to list from my 10 page excel spread sheet.  Interesting times indeed...

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:38 | 1062536 HungrySeagull
HungrySeagull's picture

We have been doing that for years.

Everything that was listed and then some. I think there was a 100 items to disapper first list somewhere online if memory serves.

In fact I am questioning my own sanity when I consider talking to my family doctor this week for controlled medicines to be stored with our pretty hefty medical kits that include surgical tools and splints now. I recall Soldiers in war had little morphine pods that they could hit themselves with when hit or a medic would do that for them.

On the other hand I know my limitations in my house hold and that of my neighbors. We have done alot, seen great things and watch the neighbors do the same (Growing crops etc) at best we can go a month or a little more before we become in need of help ourselfs.

If such a castrophe should require America itself to need help then we are going to have to dig down within ourselves and come up with some guts and oorah to stay the course and do the best we can.

After what I have seen at Katrina, I don't hold much hope and feel ashamed because the Japanese People have done demonstrated such good behavior in what I think is the worst ever to hit in Human history.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:38 | 1062972 RockyRacoon
RockyRacoon's picture

There are TONS of videos on YouTube as well about how to prepare a bug-out bag, store food, and other topics.   There is no reason for anyone not to be prepared.   I will not support someone who won't take the time to provide for themselves in a manner that will benefit me as well.   Tough.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:57 | 1063066 chunga
chunga's picture

+100 Quatloos

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:36 | 1062119 gaoptimize
gaoptimize's picture

Repeated due to "Guru Meditation"

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:36 | 1062125 Spigot
Spigot's picture

In a pinch use Betadine solution to paint the back of the knee area, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) per day to saturate thyroids with iodine.

Better than getting dead later.

Use 5 ml (1 teaspoon) for children up to age 12.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:35 | 1062128 -Michelle-
-Michelle-'s picture

Medical Corps isn't even taking new orders until 3/24.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:39 | 1062145 FubarNation
FubarNation's picture

Hmmmmm had my KI03 pills for over 6 months.  Wife thought I was nuts.  Perhaps I am.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:27 | 1062470 tmosley
tmosley's picture

You might be.  You should have bought KI.  Iodate is not nearly as useful, even if it does taste better.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:54 | 1062164 FubarNation
FubarNation's picture

Geiger counter ordered on the weekend should arrive tomorrow.  Paranoia will destroy ya.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:45 | 1062196 cheesewizz
cheesewizz's picture

Potassium Iodid, The only real money....

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:52 | 1062240 snowball777
snowball777's picture

And, yes, you can eat it! Oh wait...that's a good reason to not make it money.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 14:55 | 1062267 SilverRhino
SilverRhino's picture

Damn, got a few gieger counters in the closet from Y2K ... ebay here we go :-)

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:00 | 1062289 Spigot
Spigot's picture

Strontium can be blocked by saturating your system with Calcium. Cesium can be blocked using Potassium. I would suggest what is called "light" salt (sodium/potasium chloride mix) and Calcium Ascorbate (or Ascorbic acid mixed with Calcium Carbonate). Also Melatonin will scavange free radicals inside cell walls and DNA as well, but will leave you very spoforic.

Thu, 03/17/2011 - 10:34 | 1066473 chumbawamba
chumbawamba's picture

You made half of that up.  "Spoforic" is not word.

I am Chumbawamba.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:00 | 1062290 Quinvarius
Quinvarius's picture

I sense Dick Cheney is involved in this price spike and pill hoarding.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:02 | 1062299 Spigot
Spigot's picture

BTW do not overdo the calcium-sodium-potasium dosing since it can disrupt cardiac rhythms.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:02 | 1062308 Creed
Creed's picture

Just a heads up- I ordered a 3 person supply last Friday night from nukepills on Amazon.com.

Today my order was cancelled. No explanation. I sent nukepills and Amazon a little thank you e-mail.

Nukepills.com says Amazon suspended their account without warning for 30 days while they investigate why nukepills had the sudden flurry of orders. NP says they had 1,000 orders this weekend and had to cancel them all. They charged me $8.99 each.

Good thing I didn't need this and had backup already.

If anyone out there has insider knowledge of either nukepills being full of it or if this is an actual Amazon.com business practice then post it up here.

Apparently Nukepills.com donated 50k pills to Japan, per their web site. I tend to buy their version of the story.

 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:00 | 1062705 Babycatcher
Babycatcher's picture

I purchased my supply from Nukepills six months ago, no problem.  They are a reputable company.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:29 | 1062480 HungrySeagull
HungrySeagull's picture

I have some on hand from last year when we bought a few. The vendor in Oregon explained to us that when 9-11 happened, later that day; the US Government came down and bought 10 million or so pills that was the entire stock at the time.

I cannot compete with such buying power. However I do have a few pills for the family and some left over for my neighbors who I know have none.

I also know that they will not be enough and if there is sufficient fallout we would have to find a direction 90 degrees to the wind, pack the truck and leave our home forever. Because it wont be insured due to act of god or something like that.

In spite of all of that, I recall all the previous hysteria induced problems where panic buying was dominating the .. people.

Yesterday I pushed hard to have a nuclear series delivered to the plant and the entire place literally reduced to atoms to be covered by the sea.

Today, it is painfully apparent that the People have not changed and in fact are gathering in Japan to sit and contemplate their navels while all brainstorm for ideas.

While supplies get stripped bare and the Kingdom burns.

 

I am happy we are heading into Spring time. This snow and cold cannot last.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:37 | 1062544 Abitdodgie
Abitdodgie's picture

So how many people will die from KI overdoes, here in America 

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:41 | 1062985 RockyRacoon
RockyRacoon's picture

Just the ones stupid enough not to be able to read instructions.

No big loss.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 16:42 | 1062987 ronin12
ronin12's picture

I have 4-5 boxes of this stuff in my basement. It's going up on ebay as soon as I get home.

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 17:08 | 1063127 Yen Cross
Yen Cross's picture

Mix it with Alka Seltzer on the 4th. LMAO!

Wed, 03/16/2011 - 19:41 | 1064012 Burticus
Burticus's picture

I am wondering how much the bottle of 250 KI tablets I purchased over a year ago for around 20 FeRNs will fetch on E-gay, or the Nip equivalent.

The 20 FeRNs was worth the "last laugh" I got on the now-dumbfounded "don't worry, be happy" grasshoppers who mocked the visionary ant when he made the purchase.

Thu, 03/17/2011 - 10:52 | 1066548 chumbawamba
chumbawamba's picture

I'm sure he didn't even consider them as he placed them in the bag next to the condoms and the Kotex.

I am Chumbawamba.

Thu, 03/17/2011 - 04:35 | 1065675 Silver Super Bu...
Silver Super Bull Market's picture

So many natural home remedies to eliminate the radiation on & in your body.

Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.  Drink it & take a bath.  Fill your tub with water, add some Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar to the water, soak in it and your golden!

Its very innexpensive!  $15 for a gallon!

 

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