Medical Information for Emergency Situations
Potassium Iodide Distribution
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides potassium iodide (KI) pills free of charge to school districts within a ten-mile radius of a nuclear facility.
KI is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to provide protection against thyroid disease, including thyroid cancer, in the event of a release of radioactive iodine.
Taken within the first few hours following a radiological release, KI will protect the thyroid gland. Distribution through the school system is given high priority because children are much more sensitive to the ill effects of radioactive iodine than are adults. KI should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to iodine.
State health officials will make an announcement if distribution of KI is necessary. At that time, all CHILDREN WILL BE GIVEN A THERAPEUTIC DOSE OF POTASSIUM IODIDE(KI).
If you do not want your child to be given the potassium iodide tablets, you must in writing inform your child's school nurse.