Images of worried Japanese being scanned for radiation contamination have sparked fears in the US and Europe of nuclear fall out.

Concern has sent consumers scrambling for radiation antidotes and sales for Geiger counters have soared.

Potassium iodide supplements are flying off the shelves, alarming health experts the world over.

German Chemist, Thomas Hieble said he was discouraging people from using the tablets prematurely.

“The taking of highly dosed iodide capsules should take place only under the control and the prescription of a doctor or an order by the authorities.”

Potassium iodide can protect the thyroid gland from radiation but is only used if an individual is in imminent danger of radiation poisoning. Outside northern Japan the risk is minimal and taking the tablets unnecessarily is dangerous to health.