WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County residents who live, work, or attend school within 10 miles of the Limerick Clean Energy Center or Peach Bottom Clean Energy Center will be able to receive free potassium iodide tablets during an emergency preparedness event scheduled for Aug. 13.
The Chester County Health Department will host its annual Potassium Iodide (KI) Dispensing Event and Community Resource Fair from noon to 6 p.m. at Phoenixville Middle School. The department encourages individuals and families to register in advance at chesco.org/ki, although registration is not required. Businesses and organizations must pre-register to pick up bulk orders.
The tablets distributed during the event will expire Jan. 31, 2034. The Health Department advised anyone who received potassium iodide tablets from the county or the Pennsylvania Department of Health before May 2024 to dispose of them because they have expired.
County officials noted that potassium iodide is one component of emergency response plans for communities located within the 10-mile emergency planning zones surrounding the Limerick and Peach Bottom nuclear generating stations. Other protective measures include sheltering in place and evacuation.
Potassium iodide is a stable form of iodine that helps protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine that could be released during a radiological emergency. The Health Department emphasized that the tablets should only be taken when directed by the governor, the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Chester County Health Department.
The event will also feature a community resource fair open to the public, regardless of whether attendees are picking up potassium iodide tablets. Participating organizations will provide information on mental health services, senior programs, food access, healthcare resources, youth support and other community services.
Residents unable to attend the event may also request potassium iodide tablets online at chesco.org/ki.
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