Politics & Government
Japan's Nuclear Crisis Prompts County Officials to Hand Out Iodine
Pills available for those residing near Oyster Creek Generating Station
As fate would have it, potassium iodide pills are again being made available to anyone living within a 10-mile radius of the Oyster Creek nuclear generating station in Lacey Township.
Freeholder Gerry P. Little said the pills have been offered for a decade as a “preparedness measure,’’ and this year’s offer is “not in response to any imminent danger or threat.’’
The pills are the same kind being distributed in Japan as two of its nuclear power plants are in danger of melting down following a severe earthquake and tsunami.
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The pills are only to be used when the state declares a general emergency during a radiological event. County Health Coordinator Daniel Regenye said the pills can be effective in preventing thyroid cancer in people exposed to radioactive iodine.
Those allergic to shellfish and iodine should contact their doctor for advice, said Freeholder John P. Kelly.
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Regenye said the pills are available free for an entire family during appointments at the Health Department. Appointments can be made by calling (732) 341-9700, extension 7502, or 1-800-342-9738, extension 7502.
Communities within 10 miles of the nuclear plant include Barnegat, Barnegat Light, Beach Haven, Beachwood, Berkeley, Toms River, Harvey Cedars, Island Heights, Lacey, Long Beach, Pine Beach, Waretown, Ocean Gate, Seaside Park, Ship Bottom, South Toms River, Stafford and Surf City.
A fact sheet about the pills is available on the Health Department Web site, www.ochd.org.
