Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Health will offer free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets Thursday, August 6, to Pennsylvanians who are within 10 miles of one of the state’s five nuclear power plants.
“If you live or work near a nuclear facility, KI tablets should be an essential part of your emergency preparedness plan and go kit,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy. “KI can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine when taken as directed during radiological emergencies. But it’s important to remember that the tablets should only be taken when the Governor or state public health officials advise you to do so.”
KI can be taken by anyone as long as they are not allergic to it. It is safe for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medicine, children, and infants. Individuals who are unsure if they should take potassium iodide should ask a health care provider.
During the distribution, each adult will receive four 65-milligram tablets. Children will be given smaller doses based on their age. Individuals can pick up the tablets for other family members or those who are unable to pick them up on their own. Directions detailing when to take the tablets and how to store them will be provided with the KI. Health department staff will be on site to answer questions.
KI is also available for those who work within the 10-mile radius, but do not live there. Employers can contact the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH to make arrangements to pick up tablets for their entire workforce.
School districts within the 10-mile radius have the option of deciding whether to distribute KI for their students. Interested schools work directly with the department to obtain their supply of tablets.
KI tablets are available throughout the year at county and municipal health departments or state health centers located within the 10-mile radius.
Pennsylvania’s five nuclear power plants are closely regulated, secure and well-maintained. The facilities are: Beaver Valley Power Station, Limerick Generating Station, Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, and Three Mile Island Generating Station.
For more information, visit www.health.pa.gov or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).
MEDIA CONTACT: Penny Ickes, 717-787-1783
KI tablets will be available between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM on August 6 at the distribution sites below. No appointments are necessary.
Beaver Valley Power Station
- Center at the Mall, 284 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd., Monaca
Limerick Generating Station
- Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St., Boyertown
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station
- Peach Bottom Community Center, 5 Pendyrus St., Delta
- East Drumore Township Building, 925 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station
- Butler Township Community Center, 415 W. Butler Drive, Drums
- Luzerne County Community College, Public Safety Training Institute, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke
- Salvation Army, 320 W. 2nd St., Berwick
Three Mile Island Generating Station
- Fairview Township Fire Department, 340 Lewisberry Road, New Cumberland
- Londonderry Township Building, 783 S. Geyers Church Road, Middletown
- Masonic Village, Freemasons Cultural Center, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown
- Mohler Senior Center, 25 Hope Drive, Hershey
- Union Fire Company No. 1, 201 York St., Manchester
The Montgomery County Health Department is also offering KI tablets at the following location from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on August 6:
Limerick Generating Station
- Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St., Pottstown
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