The Department of Health is again providing free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets starting on  August 9 to help Pennsylvanians be prepared for public health emergencies involving nuclear facilities.

Pennsylvanians who live, work or attend school within a 10-mile radius of one of the state's five nuclear power plants can get free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets.

Taken as directed during a radiological emergency, KI can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine.

Individuals should only take KI tablets when directed to do so by state health officials or the governor.

Four 65-milligram tablets will be provided to each adult. Smaller doses will be given to children, 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 also be provided at each location.

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.

Individuals who are unable to get tablets during the Aug. 9 distribution can pick them up 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.

KI tablets will be available between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on August 9 at the following distribution sites:

-- Beaver County State Health Center, 300 S. Walnut Lane, Beaver, PA 15009

-- Butler Township Community Center, 411 W. Butler Drive, Drums, PA 18222

-- Citizens Volunteer Fire Co., 171 S. Market St., Fawn Grove, PA 17321

-- Columbia County State Health Center, 1000 S. Market St., Suite 5, Bloomsburg, PA 17815

-- Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church, 402 Valley Road, Etters, PA 17319

-- Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St., Boyertown, PA 19512

-- Kimberton Fire Company, 61 Firehouse Lane, Phoenixville, PA 19460

-- Lancaster County State Health Center, 1661 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602

-- Lower Swatara Township Building, 1499 Spring Garden Dr., Middletown, PA 17057

-- Luzerne County Community College (Public Safety Institute), 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke, PA 18634

-- Mohler Senior Center, 25 Hope Dr., Hershey, PA 17033

-- Solanco High School, 585 Solanco Road, Quarryville, PA 17566

-- Union Fire Company Number 1, 201 York St., Manchester, PA 17345

KI tablets will also be available at the following location from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 9: Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St., Pottstown, PA 19464

Appointments are not necessary for the distribution clinics.

For more information, visit the Department of Health’s Potassium Iodide FAQ webpage or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).

NewsClips: Potassium Iodide Tablets Being Distributed In PA

                         People Near Nuclear Plants Can Receive Free KI Tablets

                         Iodide Pills A Hot Item In The TMI Region

                          NRC Puts New Nuclear Reactor Permits On Hold

8/13/2012