Potassium Iodide Tablets Available Thursday

The Pennsylvania Department of Health will be handing out potassium iodide tablets at several locations on August 9, according to a press release sent out on Monday.

Potassium iodide, often referred to by its chemical formula KI,  can help protect thyroid tissue from cancer in the event of a radioactive release.

Anyone who lives, works, and/or attends school within a ten-mile radius of one of the state's five nuclear plants (including ) can obtain four potassium iodide pills per adult in their household. There are smaller doses for children, based on age.

Anyone can take potassium iodide as long as they are not allergic to it.

The pills are considered an emergency measure and would only be taken if people are directed to do so by the governor or other state health officials.

Tablets can be picked up at the following locations in our area from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.:

· Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St., Boyertown, PA 19512
· Kimberton Fire Company, 61 Firehouse Lane, Phoenixville, PA 19460

Tablets will also be available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Pottstown Health Center at 364 King St., in Pottstown.

Anyone who cannot pick up pills during those specified pickup times can obtain them at any time at county and municipal health departments or state health
centers.

You can view a map of a ten-mile radius centered on Limerick Generating Station by clicking this link.