New KI Stats Could Be Released Friday

Pottstown residents were among thousands across the state approved to get free potassium iodide tablets on Thursday.

The number of tablets given out could be available on Friday, said Jeff Blystone, acting director, Bureau of Community Health Systems for the state's Dept. of Health. 

Potassium iodide, or KI, is a salt compound used to protect the thyroid gland against radioactive iodine released in a radiological emergency.

"The thyroid gland is like a sponge," Blystone said on Thursday. Ingestion of KI slows the body's absorption of radiation, he said.

Pennsylvania accepted the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s offer of potassium iodide tablets in 2002.

Residents who live within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant, such as Exelon's Limerick Generating Station, may get the tablets to keep on hand. 

The state is replacing expired KI tablets -- which have a shelf life of roughy five to seven years -- with a new supply.

"The ones we have now are set to expire in 2014," Blystone said.

During the one-day KI distribution on Aug. 12, 2010, the state Dept. of Health distributed 13,378 tablets, said Penny Kline, emergency preparedness public information officer for the Dept. of Health, via e-mail.

Blystone said Thursday's distribution statistics should be available on Friday.

To learn more, call 877-PA-HEALTH.