Residents near Brunswick Nuclear Power Plant can get potassium iodide tablets

Bolivia, NC – The Brunswick County Health Department will begin distribution of potassium iodide tablets to Brunswick County residents located within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) of the Brunswick Nuclear Power Plant starting May 17, 2010.

Potassium iodide (often called by its chemical symbol KI) is an over-the-counter medication that can protect one gland in the body – the thyroid – if a person is exposed to radioactive iodine released during a nuclear power plant emergency. If taken within the appropriate time and at the appropriate dose, KI blocks the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine. Taking KI in such an event reduces the risk of thyroid cancer. People should not take KI unless they are directed to do so.

“The KI distribution is part of the Health Department’s preparedness efforts, for the people who live within 10 miles of the Brunswick plant,” said Don Yousey, Health Director of the Brunswick County Department of Public Health. Mr. Yousey adds, “The best health protection in a nuclear power plant emergency is to evacuate the area in a safe and orderly way. Taking KI only when instructed is an additional safety measure. It is not a substitute for evacuation.”

There is no charge for the pills. Each person in a household will get two pills. One person may pick up as many pills as needed for each household. One person may also pick up pills for their neighbors. The Health Department will need their names and phone numbers. Public Health Nurses will be available to answer any questions you may have concerning KI.

The doses are being distributed to replace those doses residents may currently have on hand that recently expired. The pills the Brunswick County Health Department distributed in 2003 are now out of date and may be thrown away in your household trash.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that KI is safe for most people. KI can cause minor side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances and rashes. Individuals who are allergic to iodine should not take KI. People with a couple of rare disorders – dermatitis herpetiformis and hypocomplementemic vasculitis – should not take KI.

The distribution schedule is as follows:

Southport – May 17th (9am – 1pm) and 24th (4pm – 7pm) (Community Building)
Boiling Spring Lakes – May 17th (4pm – 7pm) and May 24th (9am – 1pm) (Town Hall)
Oak Island – May 18th (9am – 1pm) and 25th (4pm – 7pm) (Recreation Center)
Caswell Beach – May 18th (4pm – 7pm) and 25th (9am – 1pm) (Town Hall)
St James – May 26th (9am – 1pm) (Town Hall)
Bald Head Island – The Village staff will distribute the pills.

For more information, please contact the Brunswick County Health Department at 910-253-2250.

INFORMATION FROM A NEWS RELEASE SENT TO THE WWAY NEWSCHANNEL 3 NEWSROOM…