Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Preparedness: Results From an Evaluation of Michigan's Potassium Iodide Distribution Program

Abstract

<jats:title>ABSTRACT</jats:title><jats:p><jats:bold>Background:</jats:bold> In 2009, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) made potassium iodide (KI), a nonprescription radio-protective drug, available by mailing vouchers redeemable at local pharmacies for KI tablets, at no cost to residents living within 10 miles of Michigan's 3 nuclear power plants (NPPs). MDCH conducted an evaluation of this program to determine Michigan's KI coverage and to assess general emergency preparedness among residents living near the NPPs.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Methods:</jats:bold> KI coverage was estimated based on redeemed voucher counts and the 2010 Census. Telephone surveys were administered to a random sample (N = 153) of residents living near Michigan's NPPs to evaluate general emergency preparedness, reasons for voucher use or nonuse, and KI knowledge.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Results:</jats:bold> Only 5.3% of eligible residences redeemed KI vouchers. Most surveyed residents (76.5%) were aware of living near an NPP, yet 42.5% reported doing “nothing” to plan for an emergency. Almost half of surveyed voucher users did not know when to take KI or which body part KI protects. Among voucher nonusers, 48.0% were either unaware of the program or did not remember receiving a voucher.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Conclusions:</jats:bold> Additional efforts are needed to ensure that all residents are aware of the availability of KI and that recipients of the drug understand when and why it should be taken. Minimal emergency planning among residents living near Michigan's NPPs emphasizes the need for increased emergency preparedness and awareness. Findings are particularly salient given the March 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant emergency in Japan.</jats:p><jats:p>(<jats:italic>Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness</jats:italic>. 2012;6:263–269)</jats:p>

Emergency Preparedness in the 10-Mile Emergency Planning Zone Surrounding Nuclear Power Plants

“…A common refrain of interviewees in states that participate in the NRC’s KI program 3 was that the uptake/pre-distribution of KI amongst the public is very low (Rosselli et al 2011; Zwolinski et al 2012 ). Interviewees, in some cases, hailed this as a paradoxical benefit as it would delimit any false sense of security engendered by what many fear could be misconceived as a “magic radiation pill.” For example, a health district coordinator noted that “people are not aware at all of the limitations of KI, unfortunately…There is always a risk that someone will take KI and not evacuate.” Several informants also acknowledged other challenges associated with refusing to distribute KI.…”

“…In the few instances in which education has been measured, the results of current passive communication efforts are not encouraging (Rosselli et al 2011; Zwolinski et al 2012; Review of NUREG-0654 2013). Educational efforts should also reflect emerging data from Fukushima where Internet-based sources of public information about radiation – as opposed to the diffusion of knowledge from neighbors and coworkers – was found to be a predictor of greater comprehension of radiation issues by the public (Kanda et al 2013).…”

Risk perception of the pre-distribution of stable iodine to guardians of children living around the Genkai Nuclear Power Plant, Saga Prefecture, Japan

“…Iodine prophylaxis is 98%–99% effective for blocking radioiodine if it is administered at the time of or just prior to exposure and is 85%–90% effective 1–2 h following exposure [ 22 ]. From this point of view, the low rate of PDSI is a serious problem not only in Japan, but also in other countries [ 23 , 24 ].…”

Assessing Radiation Emergency Preparedness Planning by Using Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) Methodology

“…A lack of awareness or understanding of the importance of emergency preparedness might contribute to the inadequate preparation of residents in Oakland County, similar to findings from a 2010 survey that assessed general emergency preparedness among residents living near nuclear power plants in Michigan. 19 Also, because a radiation emergency substantially heightens public fear, compared with other types of emergencies not involving radiation, residents might be inclined to follow instructions from an entity perceived to be knowledgeable in handling such an emergency. Availability of basic necessities, including food, water, and medications, are critical to improved outcomes after a disaster.…”