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.
The dispensing event will occur on Thursday August 17, 2023, 12:30 PM to 6:30 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. No pre-registration is required.
The event will also feature a Community Resource Fair for residents to learn more about available resources from many organizations supporting transportation, drug and alcohol services, mental illness, legal aid, senior services, services for persons living with disabilities, voter services, food access, access to healthcare, immunizations, and early education and childcare. Residents are encouraged to explore the fair when picking up their KI tablets.
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.
