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Free Potassium Iodide Tablets Made Available August 10/11 Around Nuclear Plants
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Pennsylvanians who live, work or attend school within a 10-mile radius of the state’s five nuclear power plants were able get free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets from the state Department of Health Wednesday and Thursday and any time at state and local health centers.
When taken as directed, KI helps protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine that may be released during a radiological emergency. Because not all radiological releases involve radioactive iodine, no one should take KI tablets unless directed to do so by state health officials or the governor.
This distribution is intended for people who were unable to take advantage of past KI offerings, have recently moved near nuclear power facilities, or are unaware that free KI tablets are regularly available through county and municipal health departments and state health centers.
The tablets will be offered at 12 locations across the state on Aug. 11. Four 65-milligram tablets will be provided to each person. Individuals can pick up KI tablets for other family members or those who are unable to pick them up on their own. Directions on how to store the tablets and when to take them will also be provided at each location.
Anyone can take the tablets unless they are allergic to KI. They are safe for pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medicine, children and infants. Individuals who are unsure if they should take KI should ask a health care provider.
Individuals who are unable to get tablets during the initial distribution can pick them up at any time 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 Nuclear Generating Station.
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8/15/2011 |
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