Pennsylvania Department Of Health Distributing Free Potassium Iodide Tablets To Pennsylvanians Near State’s Four Active Nuclear Power Plants

Harrisburg , PA – Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health will offer free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets on Thursday, August 17, 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. The Pennsylvania Department of Health hosts an annual distribution event every summer.

“Making potassium iodide tablets available for residents is a critical part of emergency preparedness and public health,” said Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Radiological emergencies are rare, but it is important to have tablets on hand. The tablets should only be taken when instructed and in the event of an emergency, Pennsylvanians should follow local authorities’ instructions.”

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. 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.

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

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

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 August 17, 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.

On August 17, KI tablets will be distributed at the locations below. No appointments are necessary.

Beaver Valley Power Station

• Beaver Valley Mall – Center at the Mall, Unit #284, 570 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd. Monaca, PA, 15061 (2:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

Limerick Generating Station

• Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St. Boyertown, PA 19512 (2:00 PM to 7:00 PM)                                                                               
• Kimberton Fire Company Banquet Hall, 2276 Kimberton Rd, Phoenixville, PA 19460 (12:30 PM to 6:30 PM.)

• Limerick Fire Department, 390 W Ridge Pike, Limerick, PA, 19512 (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM)

• Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St. Pottstown, PA 19464 (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM)

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station 

• East Drumore Township Municipal Building, 925 Robert Fulton Hwy., Quarryville, PA, 17566 (2:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

• Peach Bottom Recreation Center, 5 Pendyrus St. Delta, PA, 17314 (2:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station  

• Berwick City Hall, 1800 N. Market St. Berwick, PA 18603
  (2:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

• Butler Township Community Center, 411 West Butler Drive, Drums, PA 18222 (2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.)

• Luzerne County Community College, Public Safety Center, 1333 South Prospect St. Nanticoke, PA, 18634 (2:00 P.M. to 7:00 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 at health.pa.gov