States Offered Anti-Radiation Drug
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Agency said Thursday that it will give potassium iodide to states that want to stockpile the medicine in case of an attack against a nuclear power plant.
The drug has been shown to protect the body’s thyroid gland if taken soon after radiation exposure.
Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), who has long criticized what he terms inadequate safety provisions at nuclear power plants, is among several lawmakers who have urged stricter security measures at the plants since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Nuclear plants, which rank among the nation’s most closely guarded facilities, are of particular concern because an attack could spew radioactive contamination over an area covering hundreds of square miles.
The regulatory commission said it had earmarked $800,000 to buy potassium iodide supplies for people living within about 10 miles of a nuclear plant. The United States has 103 nuclear power plants.
“The commission has found that potassium iodide is a reasonable, prudent and inexpensive supplement to evacuation and sheltering for specific local conditions,” a statement said.
The drug will be given to states that request it within 30 days, according to the commission.
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