The Pennsylvania Department of Health is holding its annual potassium iodide tablet distribution event on Aug. 22 in Harrisburg for individuals who live or work within 10 miles of the four active nuclear power plants in the commonwealth.
As part of the department’s routine preventative efforts, there will also be distribution in Chester and Montgomery counties on Aug. 23 and 24, according to an Aug. 8 press release.
Potassium iodide tablets can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine and can be taken by anyone if they are not allergic, but should only be taken during the “rare” occasion of a nuclear emergency where Health Department officials urge taking the tablets, according to the release.
The tablets expire after a few years, so it’s recommended for residents to check any older ones and get new ones if needed, according to the release. Expired tablets can be thrown out, but should not be put down the sink or toilet drains.
The active nuclear power plant sites in Pennsylvania are: Beaver Valley Power Station, Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Limerick Generating Station, and Susquehanna Steam Electric Station.
The time and location of all the distributions can be found in the press release, no appointment is necessary.