Replacement KI pills distributed to residents near nuclear generating stations in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario – Ontario Power Generation (OPG), in partnership with Durham Region Health Department and Toronto Emergency Management, has successfully completed the redistribution of potassium iodide (KI) pills to residents living within 10 kilometres of the Pickering and Darlington nuclear generating stations.

Earlier this year, replacement KI packages were mailed to households within the 10 km zone, to replace supplies originally distributed in 2015 that are set to expire in 2027. Through this collaborative effort, residents closest to the nuclear generating stations have received updated KI supplies as part of ongoing emergency preparedness activities.

Residents who live within the 10 km zone should have now received their new KI package. Households that have not received a package, have recently moved into the area, or require additional KI pills are encouraged to visit preparetobesafe.ca to order a supply.

Residents living within the 50 km zone should also check the expiry date on their current supply of KI pills. If your KI pills are due to expire in 2027, replacement pills can be ordered through preparetobesafe.ca before the expiry date.

When replacing KI pills, residents should dispose of older supplies only after they’ve received their new supply. Expired blister packs should be returned to a local pharmacy for safe disposal, and the exterior cardboard packaging can be recycled through regular household recycling programs. KI pills, like all medications, should never be flushed down toilets or drains, as this can negatively impact water systems and the environment.

While packaging and manufacturers may vary, all approved KI pills contain 65 mg of potassium iodide. KI pills help protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine, in the unlikely event of a nuclear emergency. This protection is particularly important for newborns, children, adolescents, and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. KI pills should only be taken when directed by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health during a nuclear emergency.

"The successful completion of the KI pill redistribution program reflects the strong partnership between Ontario Power Generation, Durham Region Health Department, and Toronto Emergency Management," said Anthony Di Pietro, Director, Health Protection, Durham Region Health Department. "We encourage residents to confirm that they have received their replacement supply of KI pills, dispose of expired KI pills safely, and continue to stay informed about emergency preparedness resources available through preparetobesafe.ca."

A limited supply of KI pills is also available at select local pharmacies. Durham Region Health Department works in partnership with the following pharmacies to help with local distribution:

• 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

For more information about ordering KI pills and replacements, eligibility requirements, or emergency preparedness, visit preparetobesafe.ca or call the Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729. Information is also available by calling myDurham 311 (within regional boundaries: 311, outside regional boundaries: 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729).

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