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Department of Health to distribute free potassium iodide pills

wgal.com,

8 August, 2013

The following information is from the Pennsylvania Department of Health:

"The Department of Health will provide free potassium iodide tablets Thursday, Aug. 8, to Pennsylvanians who live, work or attend school within a 10-mile radius of one of the state’s five nuclear power plants.

Potassium iodide, or KI, can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine when taken as directed during radiological emergencies. Individuals should only take KI when told to do so by state health officials or the governor.

Each adult will receive four 65-milligram tablets. Children will be given smaller doses based on their age. Individuals can pick up KI tablets for other family members or those who are unable to pick them up on their own. Directions detailing when to take the tablets and how to store them will be provided with the KI.

Anyone can take the tablets as long as they are not allergic to KI. They are safe for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medicine, children and infants. Individuals who are unsure if they should take KI should ask a healthcare provider.

KI tablets will be available between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the distribution sites listed below. No appointments are necessary. KI tablets are also available throughout the year at county and municipal health departments or state health centers.

Beaver Valley Power Station

Beaver County Emergency Services, 351 14th St., Ambridge

Center at the Mall, 284 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd., Monaca

Primary Health Network, 1302 Seventh Ave., Beaver Falls

Limerick Generating Station

Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St., Boyertown

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station

Peach Bottom Community Center, 5 Pendyrus St., Delta

Solanco High School, 585 Solanco Road, Quarryville

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station

Berwick Fire Department, Reliance Hose Company #1, 501 W. Third St., Berwick

Butler Township Community Center, 415 W. Butler Drive, Drums

Luzerne County Community College, Public Safety Training Institute, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke

Three Mile Island Generating Station

Fairview Township Fire Department, 340 Lewisberry Road, New Cumberland

Goldsboro Municipal Building, 53 N. York St., Etters

Hummelstown Fire Hall, 249 E. Main St., Hummelstown

Londonderry Township Building, 783 S. Geyers Church Road, Middletown

KI tablets will also be available at the following location from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 8:

Limerick Generating Station

Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St., Pottstown