POTTSTOWN PA – Free potassium iodide (KI) tablets, which help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine, will be distributed Thursday (Aug. 13, 2026) by the Montgomery County Office of Public Health at three locations.
The tablets are safe, effective, and available at no cost. Residents who live within a 10-mile radius of the Limerick Clean Energy Center, operated by Constellation Energy at 3146 Sanatoga Rd., qualify to receive tablets.
They would be taken only during a declared emergency at the center, and then at the direction of government representatives.
Tablets will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the:
- Limerick Fire Department Station (drive through only), 390 W. Ridge Pk., Royersford PA;
- Upper Providence Township Community Center (walk-in), 499 Hopwood Rd., Collegeville PA; and
- Pottstown Public Health Center (walk-in), 364 King St., Pottstown PA.
No registration is required. Residents and business representatives may visit any location to pick up tablets. Individuals may also pick up KI for family members, neighbors, or others who cannot attend themselves.
Top photo provided by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
Potassium Iodide Tablets Available Year-Round
Those who cannot travel to the three distribution locations can still obtain KI year-round. It is available from county and municipal health departments, state health centers, or by calling the state Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
During a radiological release from a nuclear plant, radioactive iodine may be released into the air. Taking potassium iodide tablets, when directed by emergency response officials, helps reduce the risk of thyroid cancer from exposure to radioactive iodine.
KI does not prevent radiation exposure or protect against all types of radiation. However, it does provide an important layer of protection in certain emergency situations.
The tablets are safe for people of all ages. They include infants and children, individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people taking most types of thyroid medication.
Anyone with concerns, or with a known iodine allergy, should consult their health care provider.
Individuals and families who already have KI tablets in storage should check the expiration date on their KI packaging. KI tablets issued before July 2024 are likely expired and should be replaced. Potassium iodide tablets distributed in 2026 are valid until 2034.
Expired tablets can be safely disposed of in normal household trash. Do not dispose of expired tablets by flushing them down the toilet.
Our local news reporting includes Healthy Living articles about healthcare, wellness, medical providers, and medical services within, or that affect residents of, Montgomery, Berks, and Chester PA counties. Find more health-related articles here. Also, see and follow the Pottstown Health page on Facebook.
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