Potassium Iodide Pills To Prevent Exposure To Limerick Power Plant

PHOENIXVILLE, PA —As a part of Chester County’s ongoing emergency preparedness efforts, the county's health department is providing free Potassium Iodide tablets for people who live or work within a 10-mile radius of the Limerick Nuclear Power Plant.

The pills are available from 1 to 7 p.m.at the Kimberton Fire Company at the intersection of Pike Springs Road and Firehouse Lane.

Those living within a 10-mile radius of Limerick are in an area called the Plume Exposure Pathway Emergency Planning Zone.

In this area, there are protective action plans in place to mitigate any potential exposure to radioactive materials. The plans include sheltering, evacuation, and potassium iodide distribution methods.

When taken as directed, Potassium Iodide helps protect the thyroid gland against the harmful effects of radioactive iodine that may be released during a radiological emergency.

One dose protects the thyroid for 24 hours. The dosage instructions for all age groups are included with the tablets.