Potassium Iodide (KI) is available in tablet form for purchase over the counter, without a prescription. If taken when needed at the appropriate time and dosage, KI protects the thyroid gland from radioactive Iodine and can reduce the risk of thyroid cancer after a severe nuclear emergency event resulting in a release of radioactive Iodine.

KI IS NOT AN "ANTI-RADIATION" TABLET

Taking KI is only an additional protective measure, secondary to evacuation or sheltering in place and it is only effective in protecting the thyroid gland. Evacuation and sheltering-in-place remain the primary protective actions during a radiological emergency.

In the event of a threatened or actual nuclear power plant release, evacuation remains the best course of action for protecting your health. KI works as a “thyroid-blocking agent” by replacing radioactive Iodine with stable Iodine. The radioactive Iodine would pass through the body harmlessly rather than being absorbed. KI must be taken shortly before or shortly after exposure to radioactive Iodine, to protect the thyroid from being damaged by radioactive Iodine.

KI does not provide protection from full body exposure to radiation, nor does it protect the body from other radioactive elements that may result from a nuclear power plant release or other radiological emergencies. An actual nuclear release may contain other types of radiation.

Radioiodines (or radioactive iodines) are one of the potential by-products of nuclear fission or nuclear power plant operations. An accident involving a nuclear reactor or nuclear weapon could result in a release of potentially harmful amounts of radioactive Iodine into the environment. Inhalation of (breathing in) radioiodine, or ingestion through (eating or consuming) contaminated food or milk increases the radiation dose to the thyroid gland and to the rest of the body.

Taking KI is a method of blocking the thyroid’s absorption of radioiodine. KI provides stable Iodine that saturates the bloodstream. If an appropriate dose of KI is taken before exposure, or shortly after exposure, to radioactive Iodine absorption of radioiodine from the bloodstream will be limited and the risk of thyroid effects will be reduced.

Most people can take Potassium Iodide (KI) safely. A small number of people could have an adverse reaction. Anyone with an existing thyroid gland condition or anyone allergic to Iodine or shellfish should NOT take KI without consulting a physician. Consult your physician if unsure whether you should take KI.

* Adolescents approaching adult size (150 pounds) should receive the adult dose (130mg).

** KI tablets may be crushed to form a powder. Powdered KI or liquid KI may be mixed in milk, water, formula, or soft foods.

Side effects usually happen when people take more doses than advised. Possible minor side effects are skin rashes, swelling of the salivary glands, metallic taste, burning mouth, sore teeth/gums, stomach upset, diarrhea, or headaches. Take only the amount indicated on the table (included with the previous question) for your weight and age group. Do not take KI for longer than is recommended by public health authorities. If you experience side effects or a severe allergic reaction, consult with a physician.

KI tablets come in a sealed foil packet. DO NOT OPEN THEM UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THEM BY A PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIAL. Keep the sealed tablets in a cool, dry, safe place that is a readily available location in your home. Keep the tablets at room temperature. Keep them out of the reach of children. KI tablets can be stored in your home for up to approximately five-to-six years. As with any other medication, be sure to regularly check the expiration date and discard any expired tablets.

KI tablets can be purchased over-the-counter at some local pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.

KI is not a “magic bullet.” KI will not provide protection from any type of radiation exposure other than radioactive Iodine.

KI should not be taken simply because there is a public notification of a radiation emergency. DPH public health officials will advise the public when it is appropriate to consume the drug; based on whether radioactive Iodine is being released.

Taking KI is not a substitute for evacuation or sheltering in place when state and local authorities recommend those actions. The most effective means of preventing unnecessary exposure is to follow the emergency recommendations broadcast by local officials.

The State of South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has taken advantage of an offer made by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC or NRC) to receive a supply of Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets for free distribution to South Carolina residents living and or working within a 10-mile radius of the five (5) Nuclear Power Plant sites that affect areas near South Carolina residents.

Those counties include: Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, Chesterfield, Darlington, Fairfield, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Richland and York.

DPH public health officials have stockpiled KI tablets in strategic locations for distribution to the general public. These locations are in close proximity to each of the state’s nuclear power plants and would be used in the event of a radiological emergency where there is a risk of exposure to radioiodine. Individuals living or working within the 10-mile EPZ can receive a two-day supply of tablets to store in a convenient place. If a nuclear disaster occurs and a decision is made to distribute KI because of the event, distribution will occur at pre-designated shelters and reception centers that are located outside of the evacuated areas as part of local plans for nuclear power plant emergencies.

Residents and community members will be aided in evacuating contaminated areas through detailed emergency evacuation plans (such as lane reversals, etc.). Strategically stockpiling KI allows emergency officials the greatest flexibility in distributing it to the populations at greatest risk of exposure to radioiodine. In the case of a radiological emergency, the locations of the centers can be found in the annual emergency calendars distributed to residents living and working in the 10-mile EPZ.

In the event of such an emergency, the public should listen to and follow all emergency alert messages where all protective action recommendations will be communicated.

IN THE EVENT OF A NUCLEAR EMERGENCY, POTASSIUM IODIDE (KI) SHOULD ONLY BE TAKEN AFTER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS TO DO SO BY A STATE PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIAL.

KI is most effective if taken within a few hours before, during, or immediately after inhalation or ingestion exposure to radioactive Iodine. If taken about four hours after exposure, its effectiveness is diminished to about 50%.

KI is considered safe for most people but can cause minor side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, diarrhea, etc.) and rashes. Those who are allergic to Iodine or shellfish should not take KI. Anyone who is not sure if they can take KI should talk to their doctor in advance of a nuclear emergency. Do not take KI unless, and until, public health officials tell you to do so.

In the event of a threatened or actual nuclear power plant release, evacuation remains the best course of action for protecting your health. KI is not a replacement for evacuation or other protective action orders.

If KI is recommended because of a possible radiation release from the power plant, county emergency alert systems will instruct people in the threatened areas to take KI. When the emergency sirens sound, you should turn to an emergency radio station. You and your family will be told how and when to take KI. Remember that when possible evacuation, before any release, is the best protective action in a radiation emergency. However, if evacuation is not feasible or proper, you and your family will be instructed how and where to shelter safely. Be sure to take only the amount indicated on the table below and do not take it for longer than you are told.

KI should be taken as soon as possible after public health officials tell you to do so. The effectiveness of KI as a thyroid-blocking agent depends on when it is consumed. Ideally, it should be taken no more than four hours before exposure occurs so there is time for the drug to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The drug’s effectiveness is diminished once radioiodine has been ingested (eaten) or inhaled (breathed in), but significant benefits are obtained even if KI is taken several hours after radioiodine exposure occurs.

You should take one dose per day. Taking more will not help you because the thyroid can only “hold” or process small amounts of Iodine. When ordered to do so, make sure to take only the appropriate recommended dose. Taking more than the recommended doses will not increase the tablet’s effectiveness and may increase the risk of side effects.

KI should not be taken simply because there is a public notification of a radiological emergency. State and local authorities will advise the public when it is appropriate to consume the drug based on whether a radioiodine hazard exists.

Do not substitute other sources of Iodine (such as Iodine tablets for water purification, etc.) for KI. These products contain a different form of Iodine that can be poisonous if misused.

Those who have a known allergy to Iodine, such as those who must avoid certain seafood and other foods with high natural Iodine content, should not consume KI. Severe allergic reactions could result. Those suffering certain thyroid disorders or taking thyroid medications, as well as pregnant women, nursing mothers and individuals taking certain heart medications or antipsychotic drugs should consult their doctors before deciding to use KI.

Those who consume KI, particularly for prolonged periods or in larger than recommended doses, may encounter side effects. Side effects may include: skin rashes, swollen neck glands, stomach upset, or diarrhea. More serious allergic reactions may produce fever, joint pain, facial swelling or shortness of breath. Should any adverse reaction occur, stop taking the drug and seek immediate medical attention. As with any medication, you should consult your doctor to determine if KI is safe for you. Keep KI and all drugs out of the ready reach of children.

No. Anyone taking KI would do so on a volunteer basis. No one is required to accept it or use it.

Your family or your office will be provided a two-day supply of tablets for each person (family member or worker); living or working within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone. Use the table (with question three above) to determine the daily dose for each person in the family. Use a sharp knife, or a pill-cutter, to break the tablets for small children. Children might be more willing to take KI if it is crushed and put in some food or drink they like.

People who are allergic to Iodine should NOT take KI. If you are allergic to shellfish or have certain thyroid conditions then you should talk with your doctor first.

If you are taking medicine for thyroid problems and you have questions about using KI, talk with your doctor before obtaining the KI tablets. Do not take KI if you have the rare disorders of dermatitis herpetiformis or hypocomplementemic vasculitis.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can take KI but should have their thyroid function monitored after the first dose is taken. KI can also be given safely in the doses recommended to babies and children.

As with any medication, you should discuss this with your physician. KI is used in small amounts in iodized salt. The FDA has determined that most people can safely take KI at the doses listed in the table shown on the previous page.

If you are allergic to Iodine, or if you have either of two rare disorders associated with allergy to Iodine (dermatitis herpetiformis and hypocomplementemic vasculitis), you should not take KI.

Pregnant women and newborns should not receive more than one dose of KI before being checked by a doctor to make sure thyroid function remains normal. Monitoring should take place as soon as possible.

Those persons with -any- chronic illnesses should check with their physician before deciding to take any medications other than what is ordered by their doctor.

Potassium Iodine does not contain sodium. A low salt diet is used to reduce the amount of sodium.

In the event of a release of radioactive material from a nuclear power plant, you will be advised through the Emergency Alert System and the media (radio and TV) of the protective actions you should be taking. These instructions could include: evacuate the area, shelter-in-place (stay inside, turn off all machines and/or close all vents that pull air in from the outside), take KI and/or other possible protective actions. Any recommendation to take KI will be made by public health officials. Do not take KI before you are advised to do so by public health officials.

In non-emergency (day-to-day) instances – people, who live or work within the designated 10-mile Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs) of each nuclear power plant, can visit their local DPH Public Health Department. Those residents will receive a two-day supply for each member of their family to keep on-hand in the event of a nuclear incident.

Reminder: DO NOT TAKE THE KI WHEN YOU RECEIVE IT. The tablets should be stored in a cool, dry area and not consumed until, or unless, residents are advised to take them.

In emergency situations, the KI stored at each DPH public health department will be taken from the DPH Public Health Departments and moved to the shelters and relocation centers. In an emergency, do not attempt to go to your DPH county public health departments to obtain KI. Those supplies of KI will be transferred to the pre-designated shelter and reception areas for distribution.

The state has been supplied KI for those living and working within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs) of the five (5) Nuclear Power Plant sites that affect South Carolina residents. This KI was provided through a grant from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC or NRC) specifically for residents living within the 10-mile EPZs.

These tablets can be re-distributed throughout the state, as needed, in the event of a nuclear disaster involving the release of radioiodines (radioactive Iodine). If you live outside of the 10-mile EPZ and wish to obtain KI, you can purchase it without a prescription at most local pharmacies or local drugstores. If the tablets are not sold there you can request the store order some tablets for you to purchase. Most drugstores can accommodate this request.

If a nuclear incident occurs, your first concern should be to follow the additional emergency orders (such as shelter-in-place or evacuation). If you don't have your KI on-hand, you will be able to get it at shelters and relocation centers upon evacuation if it is being recommended.

KI has a shelf life of approximately five-to-seven years. It should not be kept in the car, the bathroom or kitchen due to the changing temperatures and humidity levels, since all drugs react to intense heat and cold. You do not need to keep it refrigerated. It is important to keep it somewhere it will not get wet. Water, or liquid, can dilute the medication if it were to come in contact with the tablet itself.

The absolute best protection is to not get exposed to unnecessary radiation. The primary and most effective protective actions are evacuation and sheltering. KI is a supplemental action that should only be taken when warranted. If advised by DPH public health officials to evacuate or shelter, this should be done immediately.

KI will NOT be distributed to animals. The state KI stockpile is intended for humans only. KI is not considered harmful to pets if ingested but may not have the same protection for them that it has for humans. If you are concerned about what to do to protect your pets, check with your veterinarian.

Young children and infants have the highest risk.

KI will only protect you from radioactive Iodine. It does not protect you from other kinds of radioactive material.

If you keep it in a dry, dark and cool place, it should last for many years. Refer to the printed expiration date on the foil package or consult public health officials if you have any questions.

Yes, though it may not widely available in drugstores near you. If you live within 10-miles of a nuclear power plant you can pick up a two-day supply of KI at the 13 DPH Public Health Departments that provide it. DPH Public Health Department offices are open between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. – Monday through Friday.

The following links provide additional information on KI:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): "Federal Policy on the Use of Potassium Iodide”

Health Physics Society: “HPS Fact Sheet – Potassium Iodide”

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Frequently Asked Questions on Potassium Iodide (KI)

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Emergency Preparedness and Response – Potassium Iodide

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission: “Frequently Asked Questions About Potassium Iodide”

Disaster Preparedness

Hurricanes & Floods

Individuals with Functional Needs - How to Prepare for Emergencies

Terrorism, Attack Threats

Wildfires

Cleanup Contractors and Vendors

Preventing Accidental Releases (Industry)

Radiation, Nuclear Safety

S.C. Serve (Volunteers)