HARRISBURG, Pa. — Editor's note: The above video is from March 2024.
Pennsylvanians living near one of the state's four nuclear power plants will soon have a chance to reup on their supply of potassium iodide, or KI, tablets.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health distributes the tablets as part of routine preventative efforts in case of future emergencies. They help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine and can be taken by anyone if they are not allergic.
Officials say the next handout is planned for June 12 because many of the tablets provided by public health agencies to the community over the last several years are reaching their expiration dates. This will offer an opportunity to exchange expiring product for new tablets. The June distribution will not replace the annual distribution event that typically takes place every summer.
“Ensuring medications on hand are kept up to date is an important part of protecting your health,” said Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Radiological emergencies are rare, but it is important for potentially affected Pennsylvanians to have unexpired tablets on hand.”
The KI tablets should only be taken if instructed to do so by state health officials. They are safe for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medication, children and infants. Individuals who are unsure if they should take potassium iodide should ask a health care provider.
The tablets are available to all Pennsylvanians who live or work within 10 miles of the state’s four active nuclear power plants: Beaver Valley Power Station; Limerick Generating Station; Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station; and Susquehanna Steam Electric Station.
Individuals replacing expired or expiring tablets may bring these with them for disposal but may pick up new medication without having to turn anything in. Expired tablets may also be thrown into the regular trash but should not be flushed down the toilet or sink drain, officials said.
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 who need to exchange medication should contact the Department to make appropriate arrangements.
On June 12, KI tablets can be exchanged or picked up at the locations below. No appointments are necessary.
Beaver Valley Power Station
- Beaver Valley Mall – Center at the Mall, Unit #284, 570 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd. Monaca, PA, 15061 (2:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
Limerick Generating Station
- Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St., Boyertown (2 p.m. - 7 p.m.)
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station
- East Drumore Township Municipal Building, 925 Robert Fulton Hwy., Quarryville (2 p.m. - 7 p.m.)
- Peach Bottom Recreation Center, 5 Pendyrus Street, Delta (2 p.m. - 7 p.m.)
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station
- Berwick City Hall, 1800 North Market Street, Berwick (2 p.m. - 7 p.m.)
- Butler Township Community Center, 411 West Butler Drive, Drums (2 p.m. - 7 p.m.)
- Luzerne County Community College, Public Safety Center, 1333 South Prospect Street, Nanticoke (2 p.m. - 7 p.m.)
Tablets can also be acquired by calling the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or visiting the Chester or Montgomery County municipal health departments.