Pennsylvanians near nuclear plants can pick up KI tablets
The Three Mile Island nuclear power generating station, shown here Monday, March 28, 2011 in Middletown. (AP Photo/Bradley C Bower)
(Harrisburg) — Pennsylvanians who live or work within ten miles of the state’s five nuclear power plants can pick up precautionary medicine for nuclear emergencies next week.
The Department of Health will be handing out free potassium iodide (KI) tablets in community centers on August 24th. The tablets help protect the thyroid gland in the rare case of a radiological emergency.
Ray Barishansky, Deputy Secretary of Health Planning and Assessment at the Department of Health, says the agency makes these tablets available annually to be proactive.
“We want to protect the public that’s living near our five nuclear power plants, even though those power plants are closely regulated, they’re very secure, and they’re well-maintained,” Barishansky said.
He added he doesn’t believe the tablets have ever been needed in the United States. The distribution is solely a precaution.
In the midstate, KI tablets will be distributed between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on August 24 at the locations below. No appointments are necessary.
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station
· East Drumore Township Municipal Building, 925 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville
· Peach Bottom Community Center, 5 Pendyrus St. Delta, PA 17314
Three Mile Island Generating Station
· Fairview Township Fire Department, 340 Lewisberry Road, New Cumberland
· Hummelstown Fire Hall, 249 E. Main St., Hummelstown
· Manchester Township Municipal Building, 3200 Farmtrail Road, York
· Masonic Villages – Salon 2, Freemasons Cultural Center, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown
· Middletown Borough Building, 60 W. Emaus St., Middletown
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