Clarkstown Distributing Potassium Iodide

Supervisor Alex Gromack and Town Clerk David Carlucci have announced that the Town Clerk's office is currently distributing potassium iodide (KI) pills to the residents of Clarkstown. Potassium iodide pills are designed to fill the thyroid gland with iodine, which stops the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine (radioiodine). Radioactive Iodine is one of the elements that could be released into the air in the event of a nuclear accident at the Indian Point power plant. Supervisor Gromack stresses that the distribution of these pills is purely a preventative measure, which is being provided to residents at no cost. "The most important part of any emergency plan is prevention," said Supervisor Gromack. "Of course we all hope there will never be a real need to take the pills, but it only makes sense to have them on hand for ourselves and our families, just in case."
The radioiodine, if released in an accident at the Indian Point nuclear power plant would pose the greatest risk to children. If a release did occur, County health officials would direct the affected residents to take these pills as soon as possible and would let them know when it would be safe to stop.
The dose that is recommended for children 18 or younger is 65 mg—the minimum amount that would be effective—but children can be given an adult dosage if a child's dosage is unavailable. Each dose is effective for about twenty-four hours after it is taken.
For most people it is safe to take KI in the correct amount, but each person should contact his or her physician before consuming it to make sure that there would be no negative side effects. As with any medication, it is important to review the full list of warnings before taking KI. It is a non-prescription drug, and can be stored for years if put into a dry, dark and cool place.
Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci stated, "In consideration of Clarkstown's proximity to Indian Point, keeping a dose of potassium iodide for every household member is a prudent precautionary measure." The Town Clerk's office, which is located in the Town Hall at 10 Maple Avenue in New City, will be open from 9:00-5:00 from Monday through Friday (late hours from 9AM-8PM will be offered on November27th and can be reached at (845) 639-2010 or by visiting the helpful link section of the Town Clerk's website, www.clarkstownclerk.com, for further information. Residents are required to sign release forms prior to receiving medication.