The Pennsylvania Department of Health will distribute free potassium iodide (KI) tablets on Aug. 14, to residents, workers, and students within 10 miles of the Limerick Generating Station, including parts of Berks County.
The tablets, which can help protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine in the event of a nuclear incident, will be available at several regional locations. In Berks County, residents may pick them up at the Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St., Boyertown, from 2 to 7 p.m. Other nearby distribution sites include:
- Kimberton Fire Company – 2276 Kimberton Rd., Phoenixville; 12:30–6:30 p.m.
- Limerick Fire Company – 390 W. Ridge Pike, Limerick; 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Pottstown Health Center – 364 King St., Pottstown; 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
The Department of Health urges residents to check the expiration date on any KI tablets they already have. Tablets issued before July 2024 are likely expired and should be replaced. Expired tablets can be thrown away in household trash but should not be flushed.
“These tablets are a precautionary measure as part of emergency preparedness planning,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “They should only be taken when directed by emergency response officials.”
Printed instructions on when and how to take the tablets will be provided during pickup. KI is considered safe for people of all ages, including infants, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and most people on thyroid medication.
Those unable to attend a distribution event may obtain free KI tablets year-round at county and municipal health departments, State Health Centers serving the area, or by calling the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
For more information, visit www.health.pa.gov.
