The medicine will be distributed around the Beaver Valley Power Station in Beaver County; Limerick Generating Station in Montgomery County; Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station in York County; and the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station in Luzerne County.
No distribution was announced around the Three Mile Island Nuclear Data Center Power Plant in Dauphin County that is due to restart in 2027.
This annual distribution is an important part of the Commonwealth’s ongoing preparedness efforts. KI helps protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine in the unlikely event of a radiological emergency.
“Each year, the Department of Health works with emergency preparedness partners to ensure that residents, businesses, and schools near our nuclear power plants have the tools they need to stay safe,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Picking up potassium iodide tablets for you and your household is a routine but important part of staying prepared and protecting public health.”
Residents can pick up KI tablets at the locations listed below during the designated times. KI is safe, effective, and available at no cost. Individuals may also pick up tablets for family members or neighbors.
Check Expiration Dates
Pennsylvanians should check the expiration date on their current KI packaging. KI tablets issued in these areas before July 2024 are likely expired and should be replaced. KI tablets distributed in 2026 are valid until 2034.
Expired tablets can be disposed of safely in normal household trash. Please do not dispose expired tablets by flushing them down the toilet.
Take Only When Directed
In the unlikely event of a radiological release from a nuclear plant, radioactive iodine may be released into the air.
Taking KI tablets, when directed by emergency response officials, helps reduce the risk of thyroid cancer from exposure to radioactive iodine.
While KI does not prevent radiation exposure or protect against all types of radiation, it does provide an important layer of protection in certain emergency situations.
KI is safe for people of all ages, including infants and children, individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people taking most types of thyroid medication. Anyone with concerns or with a known iodine allergy should consult their health care provider.
Schools, businesses, and institutions within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant facility can coordinate bulk pickups with their local public health partners.
Other Pick-Up Options
Those who cannot attend this distribution event can still obtain KI year-round at county and municipal health departments, State Health Centers serving these areas, or by calling the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
Click Here for distribution locations and times.
Visit the Department of Health Disaster Information webpage for more information on potassium iodide.
[Posted: August 3, 2026] PA Environment Digest
No comments :
Post a Comment