WTNH News Channel 8 / News / 1999

	Lawmakers Consider Wider Distribution of Anti-Radiation Compound (Waterford-WTNH) _ The state is getting involved in a growing public health issue: the use and distribution of an anti-radiation compound potassium iodide. Known as K-I, it can protect people from getting thyroid cancer if they're exposed to high levels of radiation. With the Millstone nuclear power plant up-and-running in Waterford, some state lawmakers think the compound should be supplied to everyone. News Channel 8's Peter Standring reports from Southeastern Newsroom at The Day At the Millstone power station, they have an ample supply of potassium iodide. About 800 bottles with 14 tablets in each. It's kept here for obvious reasons! Terrence McIntosh, Northeast Utilities: "We have it on site for workers who work in the power block, that may come into contact with radiation during a potential incident." During a potential incident if a lot of radiation is released this compound, K-I, could help people avoid developing thyroid cancer. The question is should K-I be stockpiled for the general public? For the longest time, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has opposed giving K-I to the public. But in a recent about-face, the agency came out and said this stuff could save lives in the event of a nuclear accident. Now area lawmakers want the state health department to take a closer look at K-I and decide if it would be wise to make it more widely available. Rep. Andrea Stillman, (D) Waterford: "This is not intended to say that something is imminent. What we're saying is that if something should happen, we'd like people to be prepared." The town of Waterford is semi-prepared already with a small supply of K-I for its own emergency workers. But officials here would like enough for everyone. They say like wearing a seatbelt it's a simple precaution worth taking. Thomas Sheridan, First Selectman: "We are high on public safety in Waterford, and I think it's one of the precautionary measures we'll take to respond to any accident." Peter: "Common Sense?" Sheridan: "Common sense." Today's News Page. WTNH Home Page. ©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT A LIN station.

Lawmakers Consider Wider Distribution of Anti-Radiation Compound
(Waterford-WTNH) _ The state is getting involved in a growing public health issue: the use and distribution of an anti-radiation compound potassium iodide. Known as K-I, it can protect people from getting thyroid cancer if they're exposed to high levels of radiation. With the Millstone nuclear power plant up-and-running in Waterford, some state lawmakers think the compound should be supplied to everyone.
News Channel 8's Peter Standring reports from Southeastern Newsroom at The Day

At the Millstone power station, they have an ample supply of potassium iodide. About 800 bottles with 14 tablets in each. It's kept here for obvious reasons!

Terrence McIntosh, Northeast Utilities: "We have it on site for workers who work in the power block, that may come into contact with radiation during a potential incident."

During a potential incident if a lot of radiation is released this compound, K-I, could help people avoid developing thyroid cancer. The question is should K-I be stockpiled for the general public?

For the longest time, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has opposed giving K-I to the public. But in a recent about-face, the agency came out and said this stuff could save lives in the event of a nuclear accident. Now area lawmakers want the state health department to take a closer look at K-I and decide if it would be wise to make it more widely available.

Rep. Andrea Stillman, (D) Waterford: "This is not intended to say that something is imminent. What we're saying is that if something should happen, we'd like people to be prepared."

The town of Waterford is semi-prepared already with a small supply of K-I for its own emergency workers. But officials here would like enough for everyone. They say like wearing a seatbelt it's a simple precaution worth taking.

Thomas Sheridan, First Selectman: "We are high on public safety in Waterford, and I think it's one of the precautionary measures we'll take to respond to any accident."
Peter: "Common Sense?"
Sheridan: "Common sense."

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