WEST CHESTER, PA — As part of its emergency preparedness initiatives, the Chester County Health Department will distribute potassium iodide (KI) tablets at no cost for individuals living or working within a 10-mile radius of the Limerick Generating Station or Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station. Many of the previously distributed KI tablets are nearing their expiration dates in 2024.
The distribution event will take place on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Kimberton Fire Company’s Covered Bridge Room in Phoenixville, PA, located at the intersection of Pike Springs Road and Firehouse Lane. Pre-registration is available at chesco.org/ki. KI tablets given at this event will have an expiration date of January 31, 2034.
The event will also feature a Community Resource Fair, providing residents with information on various services, including drug and alcohol support, mental health, senior services, disabilities services, food access, and healthcare. Attendees are encouraged to explore the fair while picking up their KI tablets.
For businesses and organizations, bulk order pickups will be available on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the same location. Pre-registration for bulk orders is available at KIfororgs2024.eventbrite.com.
The 10-mile radius around the Limerick Generating Station and Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station is known as the Plume Exposure Pathway Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). In this area, protective action plans – including sheltering, evacuation, and potassium iodide dispensing – are in place to mitigate potential exposure to radioactive materials.
Potassium iodide is a stable iodine form that, when taken as directed, protects the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine released during a radiological emergency. One dose protects the thyroid for 24 hours. The recommended dosage applies to infants, children, adults, and pregnant individuals, with specific instructions included with the tablets. Further education will be provided at the dispensing event.
It is crucial to note that not all radiological releases involve radioactive iodine. Residents should only take their KI dose if directed by Pennsylvania Department of Health officials, the Pennsylvania Governor, or the Chester County Health Department.
For more information and to request KI tablets online, residents can visit chesco.org/ki.
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