Department of Health Distributing Free Potassium Iodide on August 4 to Pennsylvanians Near the State's Five Nuclear Power Plants

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Health will offer free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets Thursday, August 4, to Pennsylvanians who are within 10 miles of one of the state's five nuclear power plants.

"KI tablets are an important part of emergency preparedness plans and go kits for residents who live or work within 10 miles of a nuclear facility," said Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy. "KI can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine when taken as directed during certain radiological emergencies. It's important to remember that you should only take KI when told to do so by the governor or state health officials."

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 also 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 4 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 Steam Fire Company, 240 North Walnut St., Boyertown
• Kimberton Fire Company, 61 Firehouse Lane, Kimberton
  • Sponsored by Chester County Health Department
• Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St., Pottstown
  • Only from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on August 4
  • Sponsored by Montgomery County Health Department

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station

• East Drumore Township Municipal Building, 925 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station

• Salvation Army Community Corps Building, 320 W 2nd St., Berwick
• Luzerne County Community College – Educational Conference Center, 1333 South Prospect St., Nanticoke
• Butler Township Municipal Building, 415 W. Butler Drive, Drums

Three Mile Island Generating Station

• Middletown Borough, Main St. Gym, 32 W. Main St., Middletown
• Hummelstown Fire Hall, 249 E. Main St., Hummelstown
• Fairview Township Fire Department, 340 Lewisberry Road, New Cumberland
• Goldsboro Municipal Building, 53 N. York St., Etters
• Delta Cardiff Fire Department, 500 Main St., Delta
• Masonic Villages – Salon 2, Freemasons Cultural Center, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Related Links

http://www.health.pa.gov