Potassium Iodide Pill Exchange in Lacey Today

The Ocean County Health Department will be distributing free potassium iodide pills to those living within the 10-mile radius of Oyster Creek Generating Station at Community Hall on North Main Street in Forked River from 3 to 7:30 p.m.

“This is a preparedness measure only and is not in response to any imminent danger or threat,” said Leslie Terjesen of the Ocean County Health Department.

Those who have pediatric pills that expired on April 30, 2012, are being asked to bring them in exchange for new potassium iodide pills. 

Adult pills will be given to those who have never received them before. 

Those who have adult potassium iodide pills do not need to exchange them or get new ones as the expiration date is 2014.

Distribution of potassium iodide, or KI 65mg pills is a part of an emergency preparedness program through which every resident living within the 10-mile raidus of the Oyster Creek nuclear plant is eligible for a free supply of the FDA-approved medicine meant to protect a thyroid gland when exposed to radiation.

The county started distributing the pills more than 10 years ago, following a recommendation by the NRC.