{"id":7885,"date":"2023-08-16T14:23:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-16T18:23:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wnuz.org\/?p=7885"},"modified":"2023-09-13T14:24:03","modified_gmt":"2023-09-13T18:24:03","slug":"pennsylvania-department-of-health-distributing-free-potassium-iodide-tablets-to-pennsylvanians-near-states-four-active-nuclear-power-plants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wnuz.org\/pennsylvania-department-of-health-distributing-free-potassium-iodide-tablets-to-pennsylvanians-near-states-four-active-nuclear-power-plants\/","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Department Of Health Distributing Free Potassium Iodide Tablets To Pennsylvanians Near State\u2019s Four Active Nuclear Power Plants"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Harrisburg , PA<\/strong>\u00a0–\u00a0Harrisburg, PA<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 The\u00a0Pennsylvania\u00a0Department of Health will offer free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets on Thursday, August 17, to Pennsylvanians who are within 10 miles of the state\u2019s\u00a0four active\u00a0nuclear power plants as part of routine preventive efforts in case of future emergencies.\u00a0The Pennsylvania Department of Health hosts an annual distribution event every summer.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaking potassium iodide tablets available for residents is a critical part of emergency preparedness and public health,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen.\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cRadiological emergencies are rare, but it is important to have tablets on hand. The tablets\u00a0should only be taken when instructed\u00a0and in the event of an emergency, Pennsylvanians should follow local authorities\u2019 instructions.\u201d<\/p>\n

KI can add another layer of protection when instructed to be used.<\/a>\u00a0It 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\u00a0women\u00a0and 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.<\/p>\n

The state\u2019s\u00a0four active nuclear facilities are closely regulated, secured\u00a0and well-maintained.<\/p>\n

The facilities are Beaver Valley Power Station; Limerick Generating Station; Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station; and Susquehanna Steam Electric Station.<\/p>\n

The tablets are available to all Pennsylvanians who live or work within 10 miles of the state\u2019s\u00a0four active\u00a0nuclear power plants by\u00a0visiting a distribution center\u00a0listed\u00a0below on August\u00a017,\u00a0calling the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or\u00a0visiting a\u00a0county and municipal health department or state health center<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

On August 17, KI tablets will be distributed at the locations below. No appointments are necessary.<\/p>\n

Beaver Valley Power Station<\/strong><\/p>\n