This distribution is intended for those residents who now want KI, have moved into the 10-mile radius of a nuclear facility or misplaced their KI pills from the first distribution.
People who currently have KI pills from previous distributions do not need to replace them. Taking a tablet of KI will help to protect the thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, against the harmful effects of radioactive iodine that may be released in a radiological emergency.
"Evacuation is still the most important action recommended in the unlikely event of a radioactive release," said Dr. Johnson.
"KI pills only provide temporary protection for the thyroid gland against cancer and hypothyroid conditions. They do not provide protection against other types of health problems that may result from exposure to radiation."
KI pills were available for the first time in 2002. To date, the state Department of Health has pre-distributed almost one million KI tablets to residents, businesses and schools located within the 10-mile radius of a nuclear facility.
The KI tablets will be distributed starting Wednesday morning, Aug. 11, through Saturday afternoon, Aug. 14, at 15 sites across Pennsylvania. Department staff will be available to answer questions and hours vary for each site.
Public-health professionals will issue two tablets for each person. People will be allowed to pick up tablets for their family members and those who are unable to pick them up on their own, and will be asked to sign for them. In addition to the tablets, instructions on how to store the pills and when to take the pills will also be provided.
Dr. Johnson recommended that residents talk to family physicians and pediatricians if they have any questions about their health and whether KI may not be safe for their family.
There are five nuclear-power plants in Pennsylvania: Beaver Valley Power Station, Limerick Generating Station, Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Susquehanna Steam Electric Station and Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station. More than 650,000 people live within a 10-mile radius of these facilities.
After the August 14 distribution, KI will continue to be available to residents anytime during regular business hours through County Municipal Health Departments and State Health Centers.