PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — Naval Air Station Patuxent River, in partnership with the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD), will distribute Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets on Wednesday, March 12, to personnel living or working within a 10-mile radius of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant.
The distribution event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the intersection of Delalio Road and Tate Road on the naval base. Personnel will be required to complete a distribution form indicating the number of individuals in their household and sign for the KI tablets. The tablets will be available at no cost while supplies last.
According to the SMCHD, potassium iodide can help reduce the risk of thyroid cancer in people exposed to radioactive iodine during a radiation incident. The thyroid gland is particularly sensitive to radioactive iodine, making KI an effective protective measure when used under the guidance of public health officials. However, KI does not prevent other forms of radiation-related cancers.
The SMCHD emphasizes that KI should only be taken if advised by public health or emergency management officials. “Because radiation-induced thyroid cancers are slow-growing, sometimes taking years to develop, KI tablets may be most effective for children and young adults,” the department states.
While KI is generally safe, the health department warns of potential side effects, including hives, joint pain, swelling, and, with long-term use, symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, metallic taste, and numbness in the hands or feet. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a healthcare provider.
Though the distribution event at NAS Patuxent River is for those with base access, SMCHD routinely distributes KI tablets to residents of St. Mary’s County who live or work within the 10-mile emergency protection zone of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, including Mechanicsville, Hollywood, California, and Lexington Park. Those unable to attend the March 12 event can make an appointment to pick up KI tablets at the SMCHD main office in Leonardtown by emailing smchd.dpr@maryland.gov.
For more information on potassium iodide and its use, visit SMCHD.ORG/KI.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
Maybe a photo showing a 10 to 12 mile circle around the power plant…would be more helpful, than a photo of part of the base?
Here’s the photo you asked for. Most of Lexington Park and California are out of the zone.
https://sigmawire.net/i/03/CuiQ7F.png
Gee I wonder why all the concern about nuclear fallout all of the sudden with safety cutbacks, and such, things should be on the up and up…. Because you know…. Musk is in charge… are we great yet?