Nuclear plants must give anti-radiation pills to neighbours, regulator says

Residents and businesses near nuclear plants must be given radiation protection pills as a precautionary measure, says Canada’s nuclear regulator.

The pills must be pre-distributed, before any accident occurs, in co-operation with government authorities.

The pills contain potassium iodide which help prevent the thyroid gland from absorbing radiation.

Nuclear operators in Canada will be required to pre-distribute the pills to “all residences, businesses and institutions” in nearby areas where the plume from a radiation release would likely reach.

According to the regulation, the radius of the area varies, however it is typically sized between 8 to 16 km.

The Pickering nuclear plant will likely be pre-distributing the pills from eastern Scarborough to Whitby.

For a larger zone (between 50 to 80 km) nuclear plants have to have a stock of pills ready for immediate distribution and “located so that it can be efficiently obtained by, or distributed to, members of the public when required.”

Agencies/Canadajournal

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