New animated video helps to increase awareness of KI tablets in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario – To help increase awareness of the availability of KI tablets, Durham Region Health Department has developed a new animated video, which encourages residents living within 10-kilometres of the Region’s two nuclear generating stations in Pickering and Darlington to get their supply of KI tablets. Entitled, “Got Yours?”, the video can be viewed on the Health Department’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/DurhamHealth.

“If you live or work near Durham Region’s two nuclear generating stations – owned and operated by Ontario Power Generation – you should know that KI tablets are available to you free of charge,” said Lisa Fortuna, Director, Health Protection with the Health Department. “In addition, as part of the increased safety standards outlined by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, anyone living within 50 kilometres of a nuclear generating station is also eligible to receive free KI tablets to have a supply on hand.”

Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, infants, children, and adolescents are especially vulnerable to radioiodine. These people would benefit most from KI tablets as the tablets help to protect the thyroid by filling the gland with KI – a safe, stable salt – so that the thyroid cannot absorb radioactive iodine. KI tablets should only be taken when instructed by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

“This new video is a fun and creative way to provide information about the availability of free KI tablets for residents who live near Durham Region’s nuclear generating stations,” explained Ms. Fortuna. “KI tablets are one of many protective measures that can help to keep you safe in the highly unlikely event of a nuclear release of radioactive iodine.”

For more information, or to obtain a free supply of KI tablets, visit preparetobesafe.ca, or call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729. Information is also available at durham.ca/KI. In addition, in partnership with the Health Department, a limited supply of KI tablets is also available free of charge at the following Durham Region pharmacies:

• Bay Ridges Pharmacy, 1794 Liverpool Rd., Pickering
• Pickering Medical Pharmacy, 1885 Glenanna Rd., Pickering
• Liverpool Pharmacy, 725 Krosno Blvd., Pickering
• Global Drug Mart Remedy’s Rx, 130 Waverly Rd., Bowmanville
• Courtice Pharmasave, 2727 Courtice Rd., Courtice

To learn more about nuclear safety in Durham Region, visit www.opg.com/about-us/our-commitments/public-safety. To request a copy of Durham Region’s new “At The Ready” guide, visit durham.ca/AtTheReady.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact the Health Department.