The Pennsylvania Department of Health is coordinating the statewide distribution of free potassium iodide tablets on Aug. 14 for all Pennsylvanians who live, work, or study within 10 miles of the four active nuclear power plants in the state.
The tablet distribution events are part of emergency preparedness planning and are only to be used in the unlikely event of a radiological release from a nuclear power plant.
“The distribution of the KI tablets, which reduce the risk of thyroid cancer from exposure to radioactive iodine, is done as a precautionary measure associated with emergency preparedness planning,” secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said. “The tablets are only to be used when directed by emergency response officials. The Department encourages anyone with expired tablets to replace them with new ones that can be easily obtained from any of the pickup locations on August 14.”
Printed instructions, including when to take KI, proper dosage, and storage guidance, will be provided during pickup.
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station
2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Berwick City Hall, 1800 N. Market St., Berwick
2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Butler Twp. Community Center Gym, 411 W. Butler Dr.
2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Luzerne County Community College’s Public Safety Training Institute, 1211 Public Safety Dr., Nanticoke.
Pennsylvanians should check the expiration date on their current tablet packaging. Tablets issued in these areas prior to July 2024 are likely expired and should be replaced.
Expired tablets can be safely disposed of in household trash. Please do not flush them.
In the unlikely event of a radiological release from a nuclear plant, radioactive iodine may be released into the air. Taking potassium iodide tablets when directed by emergency response officials will reduce the risk of thyroid cancer from exposure to radioactive iodine.