New potassium iodide supple available

South Carolina has received 1.2 million adult doses of potassium iodide (KI) for distribution to residents in Oconee and Pickens counties and others within a 10-mile emergency planning zone of five nuclear power plants. “Potassium iodide provides additional protection for the thyroid gland against one form of radiation,” according to DHEC Director Catherine Templeton. “It is critical to remember this is not a magic pill that protects against all types of radiation. In the event of a nuclear power plant emergency involving the release if radiation, the best advice is to follow the instructions of public safety officials to either stay inside or to evacuate the area in an orderly manner.” Beginning Monday, Oconee and Pickens County residents may pick up the tablets for them and their families. Oconeeans should go to the health department at 609 N. Townville Street, Seneca while Pickens County residents may go to 200 McDaniel Avenue, Pickens. Participation by the public is voluntary. The expiration date for the new tablets is October 2017. Those with tablets with a May 2013 date may dispose of those tablets once a new supply has been picked up.