Pennsylvania Department of Health to Offer Free Potassium Iodide Tablets on Aug. 11

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvanians who live, work or attend school within a 10-mile radius of the state's five nuclear power plants can get free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets from the state Department of Health on Aug. 11.

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 Aug. 11 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.

For more information, visit www.health.state.pa.us or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).

Media contacts: Christine Cronkright or Penny Kline, 717-787-1783

Editor's Note: KI tablets will be available between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Aug. 11 at the following distribution sites:

• Butler Township Community Center, 411 W. Butler Drive, Drums, PA 18222
• Luzerne County Community College (Public Safety Institute), 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke, PA 18634
• Beaver County State Health Center, 300 S. Walnut Lane, Beaver, PA 15009
• Columbia County State Health Center, 1000 S. Market St., Suite 5, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
• Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St., Boyertown, PA 19512
• Solanco High School, 585 Solanco Road, Quarryville, PA 17566
• Fairview Township Fire Department, 340 Lewisberry Road, New Cumberland, PA 17070
• Londonderry Township Building, 783 S. Geyers Church Road, Middletown, PA 17057
• Hummelstown Fire Hall, 249 E. Main St., Hummelstown, PA 17036
• Manchester Township Municipal Building, 3200 Farmtrail Road, York, PA 17406
• Peach Bottom Township Community Center, 5 Pendyrus St., Delta, PA 17314

KI tablets will also be available at the following locations and times on Aug. 11:

• Montgomery County Health Department, Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St., Pottstown, PA 19464 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Chester County Health Department, Kimberton Fire Company, 762 Pike Springs Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460 between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Appointments are not necessary for the clinics.  

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health