Residents Near 4 PA Nuclear Power Plants May Pick Up KI Tablets

LIMERICK TOWNSHIP, PA — Potassium Iodide tablets are going out free to Pennsylvania residents who live within 10 miles of any of PA's four active nuclear power plants, including those near Exelon's Limerick Generating Station.

Potassium iodide, or KI, helps protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine and can be taken by anyone who is not allergic to it. In the interest of emergency preparedness, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced on Tuesday the free distribution of KI tablets on Sept. 9 and 16.

"Emergency preparedness is an important aspect of public health and having potassium iodide tablets for residents who live or work within 10 miles of a nuclear facility is an essential preparedness action in the case of a radiological emergency," said Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said.

Beam added, "It's important to remember potassium iodide should only be taken when instructed to do so by state health officials or the governor, and it is not a substitute for evacuation in the case of a radiological emergency at one of Pennsylvania's nuclear facilities."

The Health Department said KI is safe for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medication, children, and infants. People who are unsure if they should take potassium iodide should ask a health care provider first.

Pennsylvania's four active nuclear facilities are: Limerick Generating Station; Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station on the Susquehanna River in Delta; Susquehanna Steam Electric Station in Luzerne County; Beaver Valley Power Station in Shipppingport; and recently closed is Three Mile Island Generating Station in Middletown.

The tablets are available to all Pennsylvanians who live or work within 10 miles of the four active nuclear power plants by visiting a distribution center listed below, calling the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH, or visiting a county and municipal health department or state health center.

KI tablets are not required for people living and working within 10 miles of the Three Mile Island Generating Station, which closed in September 2019.

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.

KI tablets will be distributed at the locations below. No appointments are necessary.

Limerick Generating Station — Sept. 9 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Keystone Steam Fire Company, 240 North Walnut St. Boyertown, 19512

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station — Sept. 9

• Peach Bottom Recreation Center, 5 Pendyrus St. Delta, 17314 — 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• East Drumore Township Municipal Building, 925 Robert Fulton Hwy., Quarryville, 17566 — 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Beaver Valley Power Station — Sept. 16 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Beaver Valley Mall – Center at the Mall, 570 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd. Monaca, 15061

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station – Sept. 9 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Luzerne County Community College – Public Safety Center, 1333 South Prospect St. Nanticoke, 18634
• Butler Township Community Center (Gym), 411 West Butler Drive, Drums, 18222
• Salvation Army Community Corps Building, 320 W. 2nd St. Berwick, 18603

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. Health nurses can answer questions about the process over the phone as well..

PA DOH information on preparedness for a nuclear power plant accident can be found here.

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