RALEIGH - Officials with the North Carolina Departments of Health and Human Services, Crime Control and Public Safety, and Environment and Natural Resources have requested potassium iodide tablets for people within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) of the four nuclear power plants in or adjacent to North Carolina.

Potassium Iodide is a type of salt that is added to table salt in small amounts to "iodize" the salt so that people have sufficient iodine in their diet to maintain normal healthy thyroid function. Often identified by its chemical symbol KI, it also is a non-prescription medication that is used to protect the thyroid in the event of a radiation emergency. If taken within the appropriate time and at the appropriate dosage, it blocks the thyroid gland's uptake of radioactive iodine, reducing the risk of thyroid cancer. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has agreed to supply KI free-of-charge to states wishing to make it available to people in the 10-mile EPZ.

The decision to request KI is the result of a review of the issue by a committee comprised of experts from the three departments. DHHS medical epidemiologist Dr. Greg Smith, who chaired the committee, said that the group reviewed all relevant data in making its decision. "There are good data, especially from post-Chernobyl research, that provide sound scientific reasons for including Potassium Iodide as a preventive public health measure in the unlikely event of a radiation release at one of the nuclear power plants."

"But, the public needs to remember that Potassium Iodide is not a magic pill. It only provides protection for the thyroid gland against one form of radiation, he added. "It does not provide protection against whole body irradiation or other radioactive elements that could result from a nuclear power plant release. The best advice for protecting public health in the event of a threatened or actual release is to evacuate the area in an orderly and efficient manner. Potassium Iodide is an additional safety measure, but it shouldn't replace evacuation."

While considered safe for most people, KI can cause minor side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances and rashes. Individuals who are allergic to iodine should not take KI. Public health staff are developing guidelines for health care providers and the public that will provide additional information, including the indications for taking KI, when it should be taken, the correct dose for children and adults, and those who should not take it.

The state has asked the NRC for 750,000 doses of KI, which provides two pills for resident and transient populations within North Carolina's portion of the 10-mile EPZ around the McGuire Power Station, Brunswick Power Plant, Harris Power Plant, and the Catawba Power Station. Officials used population figures based on Year 2000 time evacuation studies to make the request. Updated population data are expected in August, and an additional request may be made then.

Although officials are still working on the details for KI distribution, the state will work with local health departments and other county agencies to distribute KI free- of-charge to people in the 10-mile EPZ who wish to receive it. The NRC has indicated that KI will be shipped to states within 45 days after receiving a request.