Lee County Emergency Services News and Information

THIS IS AN EXERCISE. THIS IS ONLY AN EXERCISE.

TAKE POTASSIUM IODIDE NOW

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Lee County officials are advising people who live or work within 10 miles of the Harris Nuclear Plant near the southwest area of Wake County to take the potassium iodide (KI) tablets they were issued.
“There has been a release of radioactive iodine from the Harris Nuclear Plant that now makes it advisable for people who were issued potassium iodide tables to follow the instructions that came with the pills and take only the appropriate dose at this time,” said County Health Director Terrell Jones.
Potassium iodide is a type of salt that is added to common 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), potassium iodide is a non-prescription medication that is used to protect the thyroid in the event of a radiation emergency involving a release of radioactive iodine. If taken within the appropriate time and at the appropriate dose, it blocks the thyroid gland’s uptake of radioactive iodine, reducing the risk of thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases.
State health officials said the public needs to remember that potassium iodide is not a magic pill. It provides protection for ONLY the thyroid gland against one form of radiation. 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 follow the instructions of state and local emergency management officials. Potassium iodide is an additional safety measure, to be combined with evacuation or sheltering-in-place actions.
Individuals who were not issued or have lost their KI tablets may obtain KI tablets at a county reception center. Please refer to the emergency information in the Harris Nuclear Plant safety brochure for reception center and congregate care (shelter) locations.
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.
Citizens who have questions can call the state’s Joint Information Center at (919) 546-5950.

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THIS IS AN EXERCISE. THIS IS ONLY AN EXERCISE.