IODIDE PILLS - For people near San Onofre nuke plant?

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Iodide pills studied for people near San Onofre nuclear plant

Published 2:40 p.m. PST Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001 SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (AP) - People within 10 miles of the San Onofre nuclear power plant may receive pills that prevent a type of cancer that could occur if enough radiation were to be released after an accident or attack. Federal regulators announced plans to buy potassium iodide pills, but local authorities haven't decided whether to distribute them, a spokesman for the plant, Ray Golden, said Wednesday.

Officials from the state and the counties of Orange and San Diego are expected to meet next month to discuss the issue.

"Ultimately, the decision has to be made by the counties affected," said Eric Lamoureaux, a spokesman for the Gov.'s Office of Emergency Services.

An estimated 175,000 people live within 10 miles of the nuclear plant at the northern edge of San Diego County. Most of those near the plant are in the Orange County city of San Clemente.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced Dec. 20 that it set aside $800,000 to stockpile potassium iodide that could be distributed to people near nuclear plants around the country as a protective measure in case of a severe power plant accident or attack. Potassium iodide blocks the thyroid gland's ability to absorb radioactive iodine and would help prevent thyroid cancer that could be caused by exposure to radiation. Authorities said it would only be taken in case of a release at the plant and along with other protective measures.

Some have criticized the proposal to distribute the pills, saying it could give people a false sense of security because potassium iodide would offer no protection against other, more dangerous materials, such as plutonium or cesium, that could be released during an accident.

Information from: North County Times, Escondido

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-- Anonymous, December 27, 2001


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