June 2002 -- With continued fears that nuclear power plants could be the focus on terrorist attacks, Westchester County officials have announced that they will be providing residents who live near the Indian Point plant, which is located just north of New York, with potassium iodide pills. The pills, when taken in the immediate hours after a nuclear release, can block the thyroid's absorption of radioactivity, and protect against damage to the thyroid, including thyroid cancer.

According to officials in Westchester County, pills are going to be distributed at a variety of schools. Forty-six pharmacies in the county have also agreed to stock the pills, according to county health officials.

For more information, see various articles on potassium iodide now, here at the site.