New Potassium Iodide (KI) pills delivered to Boards of Health

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recently replenished the existing supplies of expired Potassium Iodide (KI) pills to local Boards of Health on the Cape.  Bourne received its new supply August 19th.  KI is an iodide salt that has been approved by the US FDA for use as a 'thyroid blocking agent" to protect the thyroid should an emergency at a nuclear power plant occur that involves the release of radioactive iodide.  KI tablets can be used in addition to other public health protective measures, such as sheltering and evacuation.  The KI that was provided to Boards of Health in 2007, which many of you have picked up and have in your homes, have an expiration date of August 2013. These pills can be disposed of by throwing them in the regular trash. 

The provision of KI to Cape Cod residents is mandated under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 5K.  While most of Bourne is outside of the 10 mile Emergency Planning Zone, past legislation made these pills available to Bourne residents and the Cape as a whole.  Resident participation in the KI handout over the last few years has been minimal. The Board of Health will make sure that the new pills are distributed to the schools as quickly as possible but we are developing plans to try and get a higher percentage of distribution to the public at large. 

2 pills per resident will be distributed at the Board of Health office from 9 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. Other plans are being created for distribution.  Please print the release form ( release form ) , fill it out and bring it to the Board of Health office.  Note, on the bottom of the form is a space to list your name, age, and street address.  Your map and parcel information can be found on your tax bill but it is not mandatory.  You will be given a consumer package insert  when you pick up your pills.  Then you will be able to sign the form. In addition, please bring proof of residency.  You will be able to pick up pills for your family as well.  If you are picking them up for a neighbor, make sure they have their own form filled out and bring a copy of their proof of residency.  

If there is a radiation release, the medication works best when taken within 4 hours of exposure to radioactive materials.  It should be noted that children and pregnant women are more at risk from thyroid exposure to radiation, and the KI pills do not protect other organs.

For more information see the links below or contact us at 508-759-0615 x 1.

Potassium Iodide Frequently Asked Questions
National Regulatory Commission FAQ
Potassium Iodide Handout
Potassium Iodide Fact Sheet