Possible North Korean nuclear test brings business opportunities
Demand seen for small radiation detectors in Asia; manufacturers of potassium iodite, potassium iodide, and potassium iodate should start reviewing inventory now
North Korea’s threat this week to conduct a nuclear test as part of its deterrence posture against the United States could have fallout — pun intended — far beyond the geo-political implications. Experts worry that a poorly designed test site could lead to a massive release of radiation into the atmosphere with all the attendant health and evironmental risks we recall from the Chernobyl accident. “If they (inadvertently) over-designed the thing that could be a worry,” David Albright of the Institute for Science and International Security said. “If it’s 30 kilotonnes, it could blow a hole in the mountain, and if there is a fissure, radiation will escape.”
Businessmen take note: While some might call it crass to take advantage of such a disaster, a botched nuclear test would immediately increase demand for small radiation detectors, especially in Asia. Sales of potassium iodite, potassium iodide, and potassium iodate would also increase. Is now the time to start accumulating inventory? It depends on what one thinks Kim Jong Il is up to, and we will not hazard a guess. Our business is homeland security, not international psychiatry.
-read more in George Jahn’s AP report
