Live near a nuclear plant? Here’s where to get free potassium iodide tablets

• LNP|LancasterOnline Staff
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Pennsylvanians who live, work, or study within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant can receive free potassium iodide tablets on Aug. 14.

The tablets will be available from 2 to 7 p.m. in East Drumore Township, across the Susquehanna river from the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, and at other times and locations near the state’s four active nuclear power plants, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which is coordinating the distribution efforts.

Potassium iodide tablets can reduce the risk of thyroid cancer when a person is exposed to radioactive iodine. Written instructions on usage and storage of the tablets — which are only to be used in the event of a radiological release from a nuclear plant — will be provided during pickup, the department said.

Pennsylvanians who already have potassium iodide tablets should check the expiration date, as tablets distributed before July 2024 are likely to have expired. Expired tablets should be thrown away — not flushed down the toilet – and replaced.

Potassium iodide is safe for people of all ages, for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and for people taking most forms of thyroid medication. Those who are unsure about using the tablets or are allergic to iodine should talk to a health care provider.

Residents can pick up the tablets on behalf of others, including for people who can’t attend distribution events. Pennsylvanians can also get free tablets year-round at county and municipal health departments, state health centers or by calling the state Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

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READ: Three Mile Island nuclear plant lays out emergency plans

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Potassium iodide tablet pickup locations:

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station

East Drumore Township Municipal Building

925 Robert Fulton Highway

East Drumore Township

2-7 p.m.

Peach Bottom Recreation Center

5 Pendyrus St.

Peach Bottom Township

2-7 p.m.

Beaver Valley Power Station

Beaver Valley Mall – Center at the Mall

Unit #284

570 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd.

Center Township

2-7 p.m.

Limerick Generating Station

Keystone Fire Company

240 N. Walnut St.

Boyertown

2-7 p.m.

Kimberton Fire Company

2276 Kimberton Road

East Pikeland Township

12:30-6:30 p.m.

Limerick Fire Company

390 W. Ridge Pike

Limerick

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pottstown Health Center

364 King St.

Pottstown

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station

Berwick City Hall

1800 N. Market St.

Berwick

2-7 p.m.

Butler Township Community Center − Gym

411 West Butler Drive

Butler Township

2-7 p.m.

Luzerne County Community College − Public Safety Training Institute

1211 Public Safety Drive

Nanticoke

2-7 p.m.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health