Anti-nuclear activists are criticizing a state plan to stockpile potassium iodide tablets near the Millstone Power Station, saying there wouldn’t be enough to go around in the event of a nuclear catastrophe.
The state has asked the federal government for 450,000 doses of potassium iodide, which blocks the thyroid gland from absorbing cancer-causing iodine isotopes that could be released in a nuclear fallout.
There would be enough for two doses for about 200,000 people living within a 10-mile radius of the nuclear power station.
But anti-nuclear activists argue the potential threat extends far beyond the 10-mile radius, and should include all residents within at least a 50-mile zone.
Under that assessment, potassium iodide would have to be available for all of Fairfield County, because it is within a 50-mile radius of the Indian Point nuclear power plants in New York.
After Sept. 11, the federal Food and Drug Administration issued guidelines for the use of potassium iodide in an emergency, and the NRC offered on Dec. 20 to distribute it to states requesting it. The NRC, however, will only supply one to two doses of potassium iodide per individual for those within the 10-mile radius.
–Associated Press