Relates to the distribution of potassium iodide in a radiological emergency

Section 2. Effective date

Justification

In 2001, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued emergency preparedness guidelines for responses to radiological incidents or nuclear releases, which is the current policy. Under these guidelines, states with a population within a 10-mile zone of commercial nuclear power plants are urged to consider including potassium iodide as a protective measure for the general public in the event of a severe nuclear power plant accident. A potassium iodide stockpile is maintained by the NRC and is made available to all such states.

The nuclear-reactor incidents at Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986), and Fukushima (2011), as well as the leaks at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington State (2013), however, demonstrate the urgency and concern over the possible hazards of ionizing radiation to the thyroid from radioactive Iodine-131, a byproduct from nuclear fission of Uranium-235. Although Iodine-131 occurs naturally in extremely miniscule amounts, exposure to large amounts, such as those resulting from a nuclear accident, leads to adverse health effects, including cancer of the thyroid Radioactive Iodine-131 is a primary health agent associated with nuclear accidents, and its plume radius can reach out as far as 300 miles from the site of the accident. Exposure to Iodine-131 can occur through inhalation, ingestion or epidermal contact.

Potassium Iodide, which is available in tablet or liquid form, is a non-radioactive salt of stable iodine that is used to protect against inhaled or ingested radioactive iodine in an emergency situation, Taking Potassium Iodide essentially blocks radioactive iodine from collecting in the thyroid, which significantly increases the future risk of developing thyroid cancer. Potassium Iodide causes the radioactive Iodine to pass through the body, which is much less harmful than radioiodine that collects in the thyroid.

As we learned from Poland in the immediate aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, although there was widespread panic because of evacuation and sheltering in the days following the accident, Polish children were protected to a great degree because the Polish government had several days to react to the oncoming radioactive plume, Potassium Iodide was distributed to 95% of Polish children, and seven million doses were given to adults, accounting for 23% of the total population" Because of the Potassium Iodide prophylaxis of the general public, it was estimated that Poland was able to reduce the projected dose of radiation to individuals that were given Potassium Iodide within 24 hours by nearly 40%.

Clearly, the 10-mile Potassium Iodide distribution zone is insufficient. The American Thyroid Association advocates that Potassium Iodide tablets be part of an emergency plan in response to a radiological event, available within up to 200 miles of a nuclear power plant, and pre-distributed within 50 miles of a nuclear power plant By mandating expanded distribution of Potassium Iodide we will provide a great measure of security from nuclear power plant accidents and terroristic attacks involving so-called "dirty bombs" to our citizens.

Legislative history

New Bill

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect April 1, 2017.