Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, N.Y.), May 2, 2007

NUKE PLANT NEIGHBORS ISSUED PRECAUTIONARY PILLS

[Rachel's introduction: People living near a nuclear power plant in New York state are being offered "precautionary pills" -- potassium iodide to protect their thyroid glands in case of serious radioactive releases. Another precautionary approach would be to eliminate the hazard by ending the use of nuclear power.]

By Bennett J. Loudon, Staff writer

Monroe County [N.Y.] official are distributing potassium iodide to residents who live within 10 miles of the Ginna Nuclear Power Plant in Ontario, Wayne County.

The free medication provided by the state Emergency Management Office will be available through May 25 at these three Wegmans Food Markets stores only: 900 Holt Road; 1955 Empire Blvd; and 2157 Penfield Road.

The medication protects the thyroid gland from radiation that might be released if a serious incident occurred at the power plant. Most of the people in the affected area live in Penfield and Webster.

Officials recommend that residents in the affected area to have one pill on hand for each family member.

Maps at the stores will help residents determine whether they live within 10 miles of the plant. People who receive an emergency planning calendar from Constellation Energy each year are in the affected area.

Businesses in the affected area can get potassium iodide by contacting the town of Webster at (585) 872-1000. Potassium iodide that was distributed in 2002 should be placed in the trash, not in the toilet or sink.

For more information, call (585) 753-5600 and press option 1.

BLOUDON@DemocratandChronicle.com