Health Department Hosts Potassium Iodide Dispensing Event and Community Resource Fair

As part of Chester County's ongoing emergency preparedness efforts, the Chester County Health Department is making potassium iodide (KI) tablets available at no cost for people who live or work within a 10-mile radius of the Limerick Generating Station or Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station. Many of the KI tablets provided by public health agencies to the community over the last several years are reaching their expiration dates in 2024.

The dispensing event will occur on Saturday August 24, 2024, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM in the Covered Bridge Room at the Kimberton Fire Company in Phoenixville, PA. The fire company is located at the intersection of Pike Springs Road and Firehouse Lane. Pre-registration is available at chesco.org/ki. KI tablets provided at this event have an expiration date of January 31, 2034.

The event will also feature a Community Resource Fair for residents to learn more about available resources from many organizations supporting drug and alcohol services, mental illness, senior services, services for persons living with disabilities, food access, access to healthcare, and many other topics. Residents are encouraged to explore the fair when picking up their KI tablets.

Bulk order pickup for businesses and organizations is available Friday August 23, 2024, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the same location, the Covered Bridge Room at the Kimberton Fire Company in Phoenixville, PA. Businesses and organizations should pre-register for this event at KIfororgs2024.eventbrite.com.

Those living or working within a 10-mile radius of Limerick Generating Station and Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station are in an area called the Plume Exposure Pathway Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). In this area, there are protective action plans in place to reduce any potential exposure to radioactive materials. These plans include sheltering, evacuation, and potassium iodide dispensing.

Potassium iodide is a form of stable iodine. When taken as directed, it helps protect the thyroid gland against the harmful effects of radioactive iodine that may be released during a radiological emergency. One dose of KI protects the thyroid for 24 hours. Infants, children, adults, and pregnant people are all encouraged to take the allotted KI dose when instructed. The dosage instructions for all age groups are included with the KI tablets. Further education will be provided at the dispensing event.

Not all radiological releases involve radioactive iodine. Residents should not take their KI dose unless directed to do so by Pennsylvania Department of Health officials and/or the Pennsylvania Governor, or the Chester County Health Department.

Residents can request KI online and find additional information at chesco.org/ki.