LONDONDERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. - People living near Three Mile Island were able to grab some emergency protection on Thursday. The Pennsylvania Department of Health offered free Potassium Iodide pills to anyone who lives within a 10-mile radius of Three Mile Island.
Potassium Iodide-- better known as KI-- is a chemical which protects the thyroid gland against radiation in the event of an emergency at the plant.
Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine picked up her KI pills on Thursday in Middletown. She urges people not to take the pills unless directed by state health officials.
"This is not a magic anti-radiation pill," Levine said. "This is one specific protective purpose. but in the unlikely event of a radiological release, an evacuation is the best way to go."
They are also available over the counter at pharmacies.
Click here for more information, or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.