Limerick Residents Told to Re-Up on Potassium Iodide
As if there weren’t enough to worry about in life already, Montgomery County officials are reminding residents within a 10-mile radius of the Limerick Generation Station to re-up on potassium iodide tablets in case of a radiological emergency.
Montco put out a press release on Monday telling people who live, work, or attend school within a 10-mile radius of the nuclear plant to pick up new potassium iodide (KI) tablets from the county. Pills the county previously gave out are set to expire either this month or in June.
The CDC says that in the event of a nuclear emergency — such as a meltdown or other nuclear accident — taking potassium iodide tablets can block the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine, which in turn can prevent thyroid cancer caused by radiation.
KI should only be taken when advised by emergency management officials or doctors. There are health risks from taking the drug.
Montgomery County is giving out a two-day supply to all residents in the 10-mile radius of Limerick. KI tablets can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the Pottstown Health Center. The center’s number is 610-970-5040.