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Potassium Iodide (KI)

Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets may help prevent thyroid cancer in people exposed to radioactive material released during a radiation incident. The thyroid gland is the part of the body that is most sensitive to radioactive iodine. KI tablets do not prevent any other radiation-related cancers. Because radiation induced thyroid cancers are slow growing, sometimes taking years to develop, KI tablets may be most effective for children and young adults.

November 4 Distribution Event Registration Form
Please complete this form and bring with you to the event

People should only take KI (potassium iodide) on the advice of public health officials during an active incident.

Potassium Iodide (KI) Distribution

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) routinely distributes KI tablets to county residents living or working within the 10 mile emergency protection zone (EPZ) of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant to have on hand in case of emergency.

Who is Eligible?

St. Mary’s County Residents living or working within the 10 mile EPZ (6 & 7). This area includes the following zip codes:

  • 20659 – Mechanicsville
  • 20636 – Hollywood
  • 20619 – California
  • 20653 – Lexington Park

Distribution

Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets will be offered to eligible community members on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at a drive-thru event at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department.

Recommendations for Taking KI Tablets

The following recommendations are for general information purposes. People should only take KI (potassium iodide) on the advice of public health or emergency management officials during an active incident. Click here for the SMCHD Informational Brochure on when and how to take KI.

In the case of an emergency incident, the community will be notified by the St. Mary’s County Government and St. Mary’s County Health Department via the CodeRED Emergency Notification System as well as through local news, radio, and social media outlets.

A single dose of KI (potassium iodide) protects the thyroid gland for 24 hours. A one-time dose at recommended levels is usually all that is needed to protect the thyroid gland. In some cases, people can be exposed to radioactive iodine for more than 24 hours. If that happens, public health or emergency management officials may tell you to take one dose of KI (potassium iodide) every 24 hours for a few days. 

Infants

Infants have the highest risk of getting thyroid cancer after being exposed to radioactive iodine. 

  • When recommended by public health/emergency officials – Infants, including breast-fed infants need to be given a single dose of KI (recommended dosage for infants)
  • More than a single dose may lead to later problems with normal development
  • In cases where more than one dose is necessary, medical follow up with your pediatrician may be recommended
  • Liquid dosing instructions

Children

When recommended by public health/emergency officials – All children who are internally contaminated (or likely to be) with radioactive iodine should take the recommended dose of KI, unless they have known allergies to iodine.

Adults (18-40)

When recommended by public health/emergency officials – Adults between the ages of 18 and 40 years who are internally contaminated (or likely to be) with radioactive iodine should take the recommended dose of KI. Young adults are less sensitive to the effects of radioactive iodine than are children.

Pregnant Women

Because all forms of iodine cross the placenta, pregnant women should take KI during an active incident to protect the growing fetus. When recommended by public health/emergency officials – Pregnant women who are internally contaminated (or likely to be) radioactive iodine should take only one dose of KI.

Breastfeeding Women

When recommended by public health/emergency officials – Women who are breastfeeding who are internally contaminated (or likely to be) radioactive iodine should take only one dose of KI.

Adults (40+)

Generally, adults older than 40 years should not take KI. Public health/emergency officials may recommend KI for this group if the emergency event/contamination of radioactive iodine is expected to be severe.

  • Adults older than 40 years have the lowest chance of developing thyroid cancer or thyroid injury after contamination with radioactive iodine
  • Adults older than 40 are more likely to have allergic reactions to or adverse effects from KI
  • Follow recommendations from public health/emergency officials for this specific age group

Pets

There are no guidelines for administration of KI for pets during an emergency. If you have questions about administering KI to a pet please contact your veterinarian. 

Additional Resources

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