The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission arranged for each individual who lives or works in the 10-mile radius area surrounding either Seabrook Station or Vermont Yankee nuclear power plants to receive one 130-mg tablet of potassium iodide to use in the event of a radiological emergency.  The 10-mile radius area is known as an EPZ – or Emergency Planning Zone.  The potassium iodide (KI) tablets will be distributed by Radiological Health within the DHHS Division of Public Health Services  (DPHS). 

A multi-agency workgroup developed extensive plans to distribute the tablets and educate the public about the limitation of KI tablets.  Many people misunderstand what KI tablets can and cannot do. 

• KI is NOT an anti-radiation pill.  It protects only the thyroid gland in a person's throat from only one form of radiation identified as I-131.  Individuals are still susceptible to possible exposure to other forms of radiation.
• KI is NOT a substitute for evacuation. Evacuation remains the most effective action for protection in a radiological emergency.
• KI should only be taken when directed to do so by emergency officials.

KI is generally safe, however, it can cause health problems for individuals with existing thyroid conditions or allergies to iodine or shellfish.  Anyone considering use of KI should consult his or her health care provider.

The communities within NH's two EPZs are listed below.

Seabrook Station                                                        Vermont Yankee

EPZ Communities                                                       EPZ Communities

Brentwood            Kensington            Portsmouth                  Chesterfield

East Kingston        Kingston                Rye                              Hinsdale

Exeter                    Newcastle            Seabrook                      Richmond

Greenland              Newfields             South Hampton            Swanzey

Hampton                Newton                 Stratham                       Winchester

Hampton Falls        North Hampton

DPHS will make KI pills available to people who live or work in the EPZs until the NH supply of 355,000 tablets are fully distributed or the five year shelf live is reached.

To receive KI, a person must fill out and submit a simple 1-page application form.  The form is available from three sources:

1. the Selectman's Office in each town located within an EPZ;
2. the Portsmouth DHHS District Office or the Keene DHHS District Office; and
3. the DHHS website.