Local Health Department's Role in Distributing KI - The State of North Carolina is required to consider providing potassium iodide (KI) as a protective measure for the general public to supplement evacuation and sheltering in the event of a severe nuclear power plant (NPP) accident. This requirement is the result of a revision to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) section of its emergency preparedness regulations (10CFR50.47(b)(10) as published in the Federal Register (Volume 66, Number 13, page 5427) on January 19, 2001. The change became effective on April 19, 2001. More information is available on the NC Public Health web site. 

Potassium iodide - KI 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 diets to maintain normal, healthy thyroid function.  KI is also a non-prescription medication that is used to protect the thyroid gland in the event of a radiological emergency.  If taken at the appropriate time and at the proper dosage, KI blocks the thyroid gland's uptake of radioactive iodine, thereby reducing the risk of thyroid cancer.

Additional Information About KI:

• Distribution Sites - Mecklenburg, Gaston, Catawba, Iredell and Lincoln Counties
• Frequently Asked Questions about KI 
• Potassium Iodide Information Sheet
• Map of McGuire Nuclear Power Plant 10-Mile Emergency Planning Zone (PDF)
• Map of Catawba Nuclear Power Plant 10-Mile Emergency Planning Zone (PDF)
• NC Policy on Potassium Iodide Distribution  
• Frequently Asked Questions About Radiation Emergencies

South Carolina will offer potassium iodide to residents near its nuclear power plants.  For details, please call  your local Emergency Management or Public Health Office.