世界卫生组织（WHO, World Health Organization）3月15日在其官方网站上发布日本核爆炸事件相关问题集（FAQs: Japan nuclear concerns），为民众解答核辐射后如何保护自己的相关问题。其中特别提及：碘化钾片并不是“核辐射解毒剂”。一般用于核爆前、或核爆刚刚结束后，才能降低核辐射程度。并建议民众一定要在官方指导下服用该类药品。

以下是节选自WHO官方文件的相关解释：

→The decision to stockpile or take potassium iodide tablets should be based on information provided by national health authorities who will be in the best position to determine if there is enough evidence to warrant these steps.

民众应该根据国家卫生机构发布的信息，决定是否应该储存或服用钾片。因为这些信息才是根据足够证据所作出的权威判断。

→Potassium iodide pills are not "radiation antidotes". They do not protect against external radiation, or against any other radioactive substances besides radioactive iodine. They may also cause medical complications for some individuals such as persons with poorly functioning kidney and therefore taking potassium iodide should be started only when there is a clear public health recommendation to take this step.

钾片碘片都并非“核辐射解毒剂”。他们不能阻止外部的辐射、或是除碘辐射以外的任何其他辐射形式。如果盲目服用，对某些人群甚至会造成副作用。比如肾脏功能不健全的人群就不适合服用。因而服用钾片碘片的举措必须在清楚的官方指示下进行。