In case you’re visiting…

A press release this morning from the Department of Community Health:

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is making
potassium iodide pills available to people living, working or visiting
areas within 10 miles of the state’s nuclear power plants.

In the unlikely event of a nuclear power plant incident, a radioactive
iodine release could occur. Radioactive iodine can be stored in the
thyroid gland, causing thyroid cancer or other thyroid related
illnesses. A non-prescription drug called potassium iodide (also called
“KI”) can prevent these illnesses by reducing the thyroid gland’s
ability to absorb radioactive iodine.

“Hopefully there will never be an accident where these pills would be
needed,” said MDCH Director Janet Olszewski. “Making KI available
now, we are giving the public an opportunity to add an extra measure of
protection to their emergency supplies.”

KI is effective only if taken within a few hours of exposure to
radioactive iodine. If a General Emergency is declared at a nuclear
power plant, taking KI is recommended as an additional health protective
measure, supplementing other emergency measures such as evacuation and
protection of the food supply.

A one-day supply of potassium iodide is currently available at no cost
to all interested residents, employers, workers and visitors at
Shoreline Pharmacy in South Haven; Meijer pharmacies in Monroe,
Woodhaven, Benton Harbor and Michigan City, Indiana; and Kroger
pharmacies in Monroe, Brownstown and Brownstown Township. The public is
advised to store their potassium iodide pills in a safe place, along
with other emergency supplies, so that they would be available if
needed. Individuals who obtained KI last year do not need to get any
more because pills are effective for five years.

Residents, businesses and institutions within the 10 mile emergency
planning zones surrounding the plants will receive a mailing beginning
next week with information on how and where to receive their free supply
of KI. More information on this program is posted at
www.michigan.gov/KI.

“KI pills are not a cure-all.” said Dr. Greg Holzman, MDCH Chief
Medical Executive. “While they offer protection of the thyroid gland
from radioactive iodine, they offer no protection to the body from other
injuries during radiation exposure. Evacuation and sheltering are the
primary modes of protection in a radiological emergency.”
The risk of an accident at a nuclear power plant has not increased. In
fact, the plants have undertaken increased security measures and are
safer than ever. This KI distribution program simply adds a supplemental
measure of protection for those who choose it.