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People who live, work or attend school within a 10-mile radius of the state's five nuclear power plants can get the tablets, which can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine.
The tablets will be distributed Aug. 9 at 14 locations statewide, or can be obtained at state, county or municipal health agencies
Four 65-milligram tablets will be provided to each adult. Smaller doses will be given to children based on their age.
The department says people should only take potassium iodide tablets when directed to do so by health officials or the governor.
AP News
Comment: According to the PA Department of Environmental Protection's website, Pennsylvania currently has five operating power plants. Last month, two reactors at the plant in Limerick were shut down - one for the replacement of a pipe and another after an electrical issue caused a malfunction. Is there more we aren't being told?
US: Report finds high rate of thyroid cancer in eastern Pennsylvania.; blames nuclear power plants