NEI reponse to NRC - Policy on KI

[sandy_perle@email.fpl.com]

     As printed in Nuclear Energy OVERVIEW, Weekly Washington Report to 
     Members of the Nuclear Energy Institute, Feb. 20, 1996 
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     The nuclear energy institute urged the Nuclear regulatory Commission 
     to deny a petition to add another layer of requirements for 
     distribution of potassium iodide (KI).
     
     Amending the emergency planning standard (10CFR50.47) to require 
     stockpiling or pre-distribution of KI will not add to the current 
     level of safety provided by emergency response plans at and around 
     nuclear power plants, NEI told the NRC Feb.12. NEI also sent the 
     commission an updated white paper that supports the NRC's policy on KI 
     distribution.
     
     "Given the safety record of the U.S. commercial nuclear power program 
     and demonstrated strength of its current emergency preparedness 
     programs, the industry strongly urges the NRC to deny the proposed 
     petition and retain the current policy as providing adequate 
     protection of public health and safety," NEI said.
     
     Current policy allows states and local governments to make KI 
     available to the general public if they believe it is appropriate.
     
     KI can be effective in protecting the thyroid gland from inhaled 
     radioactive iodine associated with a hypothetical accident by blocking 
     the gland with stable iodine. To be effective, KI pills must be taken 
     shortly before or within several hours of exposure.
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     Sandy Perle
     Supervisor Health Physics
     Florida Power and Light Company
     Nuclear Division
     
     (407) 694-4219 Office
     (407) 694-3706 Fax
     
     sandy_perle@email.fpl.com
     
     HomePage: http://www.lookup.com/homepages/54398/home.html