YOUR HEALTHPotassium Iodide (KI) Tablets
If your KI Kit is set to expire in 2025, please contact us. Eligible residents in West Kent and Rondeau Park may contact us to join the waitlist to receive a KI.
In the event of a nuclear incident that involves a release of radioactive iodine into the environment, one of the health risks is possible exposure of the thyroid gland to radioactive iodine. One way to protect the thyroid from the harmful effects of radioactive iodine is to take potassium iodide (KI) tablets. KI must only to be taken when instructed to do so by provincial authorities during a nuclear emergency.
What is Potassium Iodide (KI)?
KI is a salt of stable iodine. Stable iodine is an essential nutrient needed in very small quantities for the thyroid gland to function properly. KI comes in tablet form and can be easily swallowed.
When taken shortly before or soon after exposure to radioactive iodine, KI fills up the thyroid with stable iodine so it cannot absorb any other iodine for a period of time. This prevents the thyroid from absorbing harmful amounts of radioactive iodine so that the radioactive iodine will not build up in the body, and the body will naturally excrete it. This process is also called iodine thyroid blocking.
The thyroid gland does not know the difference between non-radioactive (stable) and radioactive iodine and can absorb both. Absorption of harmful levels of radioactive iodine can increase the risk of thyroid cancer later in life, especially in children.
Am I Eligible for Potassium Iodide (KI) Tablets?
Residents of Chatham-Kent who reside in Wheatley, Tilbury, and Rondeau may be eligible to receive KI tablets in the event of a nuclear emergency. These locations are within 80 kilometers of nuclear facilities in the United States.
Check Eligibility:
- To see if you are eligible for KI tablets click here, or call 519.360.1998 ext. 5800.