YOUR HEALTHPotassium Iodide (KI) Tablets
If your potassium iodide (KI) Kit expires in 2025, please contact us. People who live in West Kent or Rondeau Park can also contact us to join the waitlist for a KI Kit.
In a nuclear emergency, radioactive iodine can be released into the air. This can be harmful to your thyroid gland. Taking KI tablets can help protect your thyroid. Only take KI if provincial authorities tell you to during a nuclear emergency.
What is Potassium Iodide (KI)?
KI is a type of salt made from stable iodine. Your body needs small amounts of stable iodine to help your thyroid work properly. KI comes as a tablet that is easy to swallow.
If there is radioactive iodine in the air, taking KI before or soon after can help protect your thyroid. KI fills up your thyroid with stable iodine, so it can't take in the harmful radioactive kind. Your body gets rid of the harmful iodine on its own. This is called iodine thyroid blocking.
The thyroid gland can't tell the difference between stable and radioactive iodine—it can absorb both. If someone takes in too much radioactive iodine, it can increase the chance of getting thyroid cancer later, especially for 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 fill out the form below or call 519-352-7270 ext. 5800.