BERRIEN COUNTY — It's a potential danger that many people living near a nuclear power plant don't always consider. But now, potassium iodide pills will be given to people who live and work near nuclear power plants, including the Cook and Palisades Nuclear Power plants in southwest Michigan.

In the case of a nuclear accident, potassium iodide pills can limit the amount of radioactive iodine absorbed by a person.

Starting in October, people who live or work within a 10-mile radius of one of the three nuclear plants in Michigan can get those anti-radiation pills for free.

“If something did happen down the road there, I think we'd be happy we have something that could help us,” said Pat Bormann of Bridgman.

Potassium iodide pills are also known as KI tablets. If an accident were to occur, residents who have the pills would be instructed to take them. The pill works by "filling up" the thyroid with stable iodine so radioactive iodine cannot enter the system.

Most people seemed receptive to the idea but wanted more information about the program and the pill.

“I think it is a good program. But I'd like to do some more research on it. And I think that they need to give a little bit more information on why they would be giving it to us, beside just the thyroid idea. But I do thinks it's a good idea just to protect the people in the area,” said Christine Anderson, also of Bridgman.

Distributing the pills before a potential accident will allow people to take them as soon as the local health department makes the announcement. Previously pills were distributed after an accident, potentially causing delays.

Homes and businesses affected will receive a flier about the program in the next few weeks.

For more information about KI tablets: www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp