Pennsylvania State Health Department Announces Potassium Iodide to be Distributed on Aug. 11; KI Available for Redistribution to Residents Who Live Near State's Five Nuclear Facilities
Tuesday August 9, 4:33 pm ET
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today announced that people living within a 10-mile radius of Pennsylvania's five nuclear power plants will have an opportunity to pick up potassium iodide (KI) tablets on Thursday, Aug. 11. This distribution is especially intended for those residents who now want KI and didn't get it in the past; have recently moved into the 10-mile radius of a nuclear facility; or misplaced their KI tablets from the first distribution.

The state Department of Health first made KI tablets available to residents in 2002 during events that were highly publicized. Since that time, residents have also been able to pick up tablets anytime throughout the year at local and state health department offices. To date, almost one million KI tablets have been pre-distributed to residents, businesses and schools located within the 10-mile radius of a nuclear facility.

People who currently have KI tablets from previous distributions do not need to replace them as they have a shelf life of at least five years. Each year, the department tests tablets that have been previously distributed and will notify the public if those tablets need to be replaced. Taking a tablet of KI when directed will help to protect the thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, against the harmful effects of radioactive iodine that may be released in a radiological emergency.

"Evacuation is still the most important action recommended in the unlikely event of a release of radiation," said Dr. Johnson. "KI tablets only provide temporary protection for the thyroid gland against cancer and hypothyroid conditions. They do not provide protection against other types of health problems that may result from exposure to radiation. And they should never be taken unless directed by the Governor or the state Health secretary."

Public-health professionals will issue two tablets for each person who lives or works within the 10-mile radius of a nuclear facility. People will be allowed to pick up tablets for their family members and those who are unable to pick them up on their own, and will be asked to sign for them. Instructions on how to store the tablets and when to take them will also be provided.

Secretary Johnson recommended that residents talk to family physicians and pediatricians if they have any questions about their health and whether KI may not be safe for members of their family.

There are five nuclear power plants in Pennsylvania: Beaver Valley Power Station, Limerick Generating Station, Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Susquehanna Steam Electric Station and Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station. More than 640,000 people live within a 10-mile radius of these facilities.

Distribution sites and times are listed below. Residents are welcome to go to any distribution site for the nuclear facility in their area.

AUGUST 11, 2005 KI DISTRIBUTION SITES:

BEAVER VALLEY POWER STATION, Beaver County

-- Beaver County State Health Center
300 South Walnut Lane
Beaver, PA 15009
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SUSQUEHANNA STEAM ELECTRIC STATION, Luzerne County

-- Newport Township Municipal Building
2 Center Street
Wanamie, PA 18634
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

-- Butler Township Municipal Building
415 West Butler Drive
Drums, PA 18222
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

-- Berwick Area High School
1100 Fowler Avenue
Berwick, PA 18603
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

PEACH BOTTOM ATOMIC POWER STATION, York County

-- Citizens Volunteer Fire Company
171 South Main Street
Fawn Grove, PA 17321
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LIMERICK GENERATING STATION, Montgomery County

-- Boyertown Junior High School West
380 S. Madison Street
Boyertown, PA 19512
2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

-- Montgomery County Health Department
Pottstown Health Center
364 King Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

-- Kimberton Fire Station
61 Firehouse Lane
Kimberton, PA 19442
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR GENERATING STATION, Dauphin County

-- Elizabethtown High School
600 E. High Street
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Noon to 4 p.m.

-- New Cumberland Fire Hall
319 4th Street
New Cumberland, PA 17070
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

-- Newberry Township Administration Building
1915 Old Trail Road
Etters, PA 17319
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

-- Harrisburg Mall (former Harrisburg East Mall)
Boscov's Department Store (outside of 2nd level mall entrance)
3201 Paxton Street
Harrisburg, PA 17111
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

-- York County State Health Center
1750 N. George Street
York, PA 17404
Noon to 6 p.m.

After the Aug. 11 distribution, KI will continue to be available to residents anytime during regular business hours through county and municipal health departments and State Health Centers. For additional information about potassium iodide (KI), visit http://www.health.state.pa.us or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

CONTACT: Richard McGarvey, Pennsylvania Department of Health, +1-717-787-1783.