Tablets are now available (From Gazette Series)

Tablets are now available

SIR - You will have heard of government emergency plans for nuclear installations like Oldbury Power Station. In an emergency there are stockpiles of potassium iodate tablets intended to protect the public against radioactive iodine that is known to cause thyroid cancer. Radioactive iodine was a major hazard in the Windscale and Chernobyl disasters.

If the worst should happen, the sooner the correct dose of tablets is taken the better. But, if conditions are chaotic and/or you are told to shelter at home, you might not receive them in time.

In 2002 the Irish government decided there was a potential risk to their population from UK nuclear installations and pre-distributed a pack of tablets free to every household. As far as I am aware, there are no plans to do the same in this country.

I am a local member of South Gloucestershire Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace concerned about environmental pollution. So I am now able to inform readers that packs of ten approved tablets with patient information enclosed can be obtained from Boots in Thornbury.

Price will depend on demand; if 15 or more customers order they will cost approximately £7.64p a pack of ten, otherwise an extra charge for small orders will apply.

It has taken years of campaigning by concerned people to allow everyone this option.

E Courtney, Orchard Close, Charfield