Potassium Iodide
Potassium Iodide
Potassium Iodide, known by its chemical symbol KI, is an over-the-counter medication. In the event of a serious nuclear plant emergency, KI can be used as a supplement to sheltering and evacuation.
Based on medical studies, federal guidance and an increased public interest in KI-potassium iodide, New York State and Westchester County have developed a program to provide KI-potassium iodide to residents who live, work or travel within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone.
Residents should understand that:
- KI protects only the thyroid gland from radioactive-iodine that may be emitted during a radiological emergency.
- KI offers no protection for other forms of radiation, nor does it protect any other parts of the body from radioactive materials.
- KI provides no protection against external irradiation of any kind.
The FDA emphasizes that the use of KI should be used as an adjunct to, not an option “in lieu of” evacuation, sheltering, and control of foodstuffs. If you live within the 10-mile radius of Indian Point, you should pick up some free KI that you may need to use in a radiological emergency.
If you are instructed to take Potassium Iodide, and have the pills, follow these dosage instructions:
- One 130 mg. dose for adults
- One 65 mg. dose for children 3 years to under age 12
- One 32 mg. dose for children over one month old to 3 years old
- One 16 mg. dose for children birth to one month old
KI tablets are available at the following locations:
| Village of Briarcliff Municipal Building 1111 Pleasantville Road Briarcliff Manor (914) 941-4800 |
City of Peekskill Office of Emergency Management 4 Nelson Avenue Peekskill Call ahead (914) 862-1020 or (914) 862-1424 |
| Village of Croton-on-Hudson Municipal Building 1 Van Wyck Street Croton-on-Hudson (914) 271-4781 |
Town of Yorktown Community and Cultural Center 974 Commerce Street Yorktown (914) 962-5758 |
| Town of New Castle Town Clerks Office, Town Hall 200 Greely Avenue Chappaqua (914) 238-4771 |
John Hart Library 1130 Main Street Yorktown (914) 245-5262 |
| Town and Village of Ossining Community Center 95 Broadway Ossining (914) 941-3189 |
Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Main Office 4 Dana Road Valhalla (914) 231-1850 |
| Town of Somers Supervisors Office, Town Hall 335 Route 202 Somers (914) 277-3637 |