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Potassium Iodide (KI) What is Potassium Iodide and How Does It Work? Potassium Iodide, commonly called by its chemical abbreviation, KI, is a nonprescription pharmaceutical drug intended to protect the thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive iodine. When iodine is ingested or inhaled, it readily deposits in the thyroid gland. KI, if taken prior to or immediately following an exposure to radioactive iodine will saturate the thyroid with stable, non-radioactive iodine so that the radioactive iodine does not deposit in the thyroid and is expelled from the body. Facts About KI
How Much KI Should I Take? The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set recommended dosages for individuals based on age. These are:
less than 1 month old..............
16 mg Washington State Emergency Preparedness for the Columbia Generating Station The Columbia Generating Station is the State's only operating commercial nuclear power plant. It is located in southeastern Washington north of the city of Richland. (The Hanford Nuclear Reservation is not a source for radioiodines). The Columbia Generating Station is a 1,150 megawatt boiling water reactor owned and operated by Energy Northwest. The plant produces about 10 percent of this region's electricity. Approximately 6,000 residents in Benton and Franklin counties live within 10 miles of the power plant. State emergency planners work closely with Benton and Franklin county officials and Energy Northwest to ensure the protection of public health and safety in the event of an emergency at the Columbia Generating Station. State, local, and utility emergency planners agree that evacuation of residents within 10 miles of the Columbia Generating Station is the most effective method of preventing potential exposure to a radioactive materials release. The public within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) are evacuated to an assistance center outside the 10mile EPZ for protection against possible exposure to the release. Federal, state, and local emergency response organizations participate in frequent training exercises to ensure a coordinated response effort. The Federal Emergency Management Agency evaluates the effectiveness of this response on a biennial basis. Washington State Potassium Iodide Policy Summary Washington State Department of Health, along with Benton County Emergency Services, Franklin Emergency Management, and Benton-Franklin County Health District, does not recommend stockpiling or pre distributing of Potassium Iodide as an effective means of protecting the public during an emergency at Columbia Generating Station. These agencies strongly encourage the public residing within the 10-mile EPZ to evacuate at the appropriate times listed in the public information calendar mailed each autumn and report to one of the area’s three Assistance Centers. It is the policy of the state and county agencies to evacuate the public prior to any exposure from a release due to an emergency at Columbia Generating Station. Additional Information: Washington State Department of Health Office of Radiation Protection 111 Israel Road P.O. Box 47827 Olympia, Washington 98504-7827 360-236-3300
Franklin County Emergency Management 502 Boeing Street Pasco, Washington 99301 509-545-3546
Benton County Emergency Services 651 Truman Ave. Richland, Washington 99352 509-628-2600 |
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