On September 2, the state Department of Health announced it will again offer free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets on Thursday, September 15, to Pennsylvanians who are within 10 miles of the state’s four active nuclear power plants as part of routine preventive efforts in case of future emergencies. 

“Emergency preparedness is a critical part of public health and having potassium iodide tablets for residents who live or work within 10 miles of an active nuclear facility is an essential preparation in the case of a radiological emergency,” Acting Secretary of Health and Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said. “It’s important to remember potassium iodide should only be taken when instructed to do so by state health officials or the governor, and it is not a replacement for evacuation in the case of a radiological emergency at one of Pennsylvania’s four active nuclear facilities.” 

KI can add another layer of protection when instructed to be used. It helps protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine and can be taken by anyone if they are not allergic to it.

It is safe for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medication, children and infants.

Individuals who are unsure if they should take potassium iodide should ask a health care provider and only take if instructed to do so by state health officials or the governor. 

The state’s four active nuclear facilities are closely regulated, secure and well-maintained.

The facilities are Beaver Valley Power Station; Limerick Generating Station; Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station; and Susquehanna Steam Electric Station. 

The Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant is no longer operating, but all the spent nuclear fuel that was used at the plant remains on the Island.

The tablets are available to all Pennsylvanians who live or work within 10 miles of the state’s four active nuclear power plants by visiting a distribution center listed below on Sept. 15, calling the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or visiting a county and municipal health department or state health center.

Individuals requesting KI tablets may do so for other family members or those who are unable to get the tablets on their own. School districts and employers within a 10-mile radius can also arrange to obtain their supply of KI tablets from the department. 

Distribution Locations

KI tablets will be distributed at the locations below. No appointments are necessary.

-- Beaver Valley Power Station, Beaver County – Sept. 15, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

     -- Beaver Valley Mall – Center at the Mall, 570 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd. Monaca, PA, 15061

-- Limerick Generating Station, Montgomery County– Sept. 15, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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

     -- Chester Co. Department of Health:  Kimberton Fire Company Banquet Hall, 2276 Kimberton Rd, Phoenixville, PA 19460 (1 p.m. to 7 p.m.)

     -- Montgomery Co. Department of Health, Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St. Pottstown, PA 19464  (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

-- Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, York County – Sept. 15, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

     -- Peach Bottom Recreation Center, 5 Pendyrus St. Delta, PA, 17314

     -- East Drumore Township Municipal Building, 925 Robert Fulton Hwy., Quarryville, PA, 17566

     -- Chester Co. Department of Health:  Kimberton Fire Company Banquet Hall, 2276 Kimberton Rd, Phoenixville, PA 19460 (1 p.m. to 7 p.m.)

-- Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, Luzerne County – Sept. 15, 2022, times vary by location:

     -- Luzerne County Community College – Public Safety Center, 1333 South Prospect St. Nanticoke, PA, 18634 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

     -- Butler Township Community Center (Gym), 411 West Butler Drive, Drums, PA 18222 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

     -- Berwick City Hall, 1800 N. Market St. Berwick, PA 18603 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Information sheets explaining how many KI tablets should be taken, when to take the tablets, and how to store them are provided with the packages. Public health nurses can answer questions about the process over the phone as well. 

Additional information on potassium iodide (KI) tablets and nuclear power plant safety can be found on the Department of Health’s website.

(Photo: Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant.)

Related Article:

-- PEMA, State Agencies Encourage Emergency Preparedness With New Tools During National Preparedness Month  [PaEN]

[Posted: September 2, 2022]

9/5/2022