Potassium Iodide (KI)

If you live or work within ten miles of a nuclear power plant, this information is for you!

KI is the chemical name for Potassium Iodide - a medicine form of non-radioactive iodine. Iodine is important for normal functioning of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones that help manage heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and other important body functions.

In the fall of 2009 the State of Michigan, following the example of several other States, will make Potassium Iodide available at no cost to Monroe County residents who live and/or work within ten miles of the Fermi 2 Power Plant. All other Michigan counties within ten miles of nuclear power plants will be also involved in this effort. More thorough information will be available from the State this fall. Look for newsletters and information in the mail starting in September.

The chance of a serious incident at a nuclear power plant is not likely to occur. However, if there were a serious nuclear incident, radioactive iodine could escape from the plant. If this were to occur, taking KI could protect your thyroid gland from radiation.

Questions? Call the Michigan Department of Community Health 1-800-648-6942 or send an email to

mailto:MDCH- KI@michigan.gov

To read more information:

KI Information for Pharmacists

KI Information for Physicians

Michigan Department of Community Health

Monroe County KI fact sheet

CDC information

Much more information will be available from the State of Michigan this fall