The Department of Health will provide free potassium iodide tablets Aug. 8, to Pennsylvanians who live, work or attend school within a 10-mile radius of one of the state’s five nuclear power plants.
Potassium iodide, or KI, can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine when taken as directed during radiological emergencies. Individuals should only take KI when told to do so by state health officials or the governor.
Each adult will receive four 65-milligram tablets. Children will be given smaller doses based on their age. Individuals can pick up KI 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.
Anyone can take the tablets as long as they are not allergic to KI. They are safe for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medicine, children and infants. Individuals who are unsure if they should take KI should ask a healthcare provider.
KI tablets are also available throughout the year at county and municipal health departments or state health centers.
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.state.pa.us or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
Editor’s Note: KI tablets will be available between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the distribution sites below in Pennsylvania. No appointments are necessary.
Beaver Valley Power Station
- Beaver County Emergency Services, 351 14th St., Ambridge
- Center at the Mall, 284 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd., Monaca
- Primary Health Network, 1302 Seventh Ave., Beaver Falls
Limerick Generating Station
- Solanco High School, 585 Solanco Road, Quarryville
- Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St., Boyertown
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station
- Peach Bottom Community Center, 5 Pendyrus St., Delta
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station
- Berwick Fire Department, Reliance Hose Company #1, 501 W. Third St., Berwick
- Butler Township Community Center, 415 W. Butler Drive, Drums
- Luzerne County Community College, Public Safety Training Institute, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke
Three Mile Island Generating Station
- Fairview Township Fire Department, 340 Lewisberry Road, New Cumberland
- Goldsboro Municipal Building, 53 N. York St., Etters
- Hummelstown Fire Hall, 249 E. Main St., Hummelstown
- Londonderry Township Building, 783 S. Geyers Church Road, Middletown
KI tablets will also be available at the following location from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 8:
Limerick Generating Station
- Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St., Pottstown