Durham Health Department issues reminder on KI pill availability for residents near nuclear stations

Durham Region Health Department is reminding residents and businesses within 10 kilometres of the Pickering and Darlington nuclear generating stations to keep potassium iodide (KI) pills available as a part of nuclear emergency preparedness.

According to the Health Department, KI pills protect the thyroid gland by blocking the uptake of radioactive iodine in the event of a radioactive release. This measure is especially important for newborns, infants, children, adolescents, and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, who, according to the Health Department, are most vulnerable to the effects of radioactive iodine.

The Health Department states that anyone living or working within 50 kilometres of the Pickering or Darlington stations is eligible to receive free KI pills. Residents and workers can obtain a limited supply at participating local pharmacies: Global Drug Mart Remedy’s Rx (130 Waverly Rd., Bowmanville), Courtice Pharmasave (2727 Courtice Rd., Courtice), Bay Ridges Pharmacy (1794 Liverpool Rd., Pickering), Pickering Medical Pharmacy (1885 Glenanna Rd., Pickering), and Liverpool Pharmacy (725 Krosno Blvd., Pickering). KI pills can also be ordered online through preparetobesafe.ca.

The Health Department advises that KI pills should only be taken when instructed to do so by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health during a nuclear emergency. Educational resources, including videos and materials in multiple languages, are available to help residents understand the use and purpose of KI pills. The Health Department reports ongoing collaboration with community partners to support access and awareness for those living near the nuclear generating stations.