Potassium iodide, also known as KI, is a non-prescription drug similar to iodized table salt. KI may prevent the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodide and is one protective action that might be recommended during a nuclear emergency. KI is available to emergency planning zone residents at no cost through county health departments. It should only be taken at the direction of public health officials. KI is not a substitute for evacuation.
A two-day supply of potassium iodide tablets is provided at no cost to residents living or working within the 10 mile area around the V.C. Summer Station by South Carolina DHEC. Residents living outside the 10 mile area can purchase KI from your personal pharmacy.
Residents who live within the 10 mile area can obtain their two-day supply of KI by going to their local DHEC county public health department located at:
Fairfield County Health Department
1136 Kincaid Bridge Road
Winnsboro, SC 29180
Lexington County Health Department
112 West Hospital Drive
West Columbia, SC 29169
Newberry County Health Department
2111 Wilson Road
Newberry, SC 29108
Richland County Health Department
2000 Hampton Street
Columbia, SC 29201
You do not need to make an appointment. Please be sure to bring some form of identification or paperwork that shows your address (work or home) that is located within the 10 mile area.
For more information on KI, contact your county health department or the SCDHEC Nuclear Response and Emergency Environmental Sampling Section toll-free at
1-800-476-9677 or visit SCDHEC's website.
