So what to do if you live near one? Well the government will at least provide you with potassium iodide pills at no charge.
Potassium iodide is similar to table salt but with a special characteristic. It blocks the thyroid gland's uptake of radioactive iodine if it's taken at the right time.
Hence, it blocks the risk for thyroid cancer caused by exposure to a nuclear reactor leak.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will provide free potassium iodide pills to those living close to a nuclear reactor in case of an accident. Along with FEMA, the NRC is responsible for evaluating emergency preparedness at nuclear power plants.
