Updated on 25/11/2024
Since September 2024, a new preventive distribution campaign for iodine tablets, led by the Ministry of the Interior, has been underway for the period 2024-2025 for all nuclear installations likely to release iodine. radioactive.
This preventive campaign, financed by nuclear operators, is aimed at individuals, establishments open to the public, businesses and communities located within a radius of up to 10 km around certain nuclear sites.
In Vaucluse, the municipalities of Bollène, Lapalud, Lamotte-du-Rhône et Mondragonnear the Tricastin site (Drôme-Vaucluse) as well asthe municipality of Beaumont-de-Pertuisnear the Cadarache site (Bouches-du-Rhône) swere concerned.
People residing or working in these territories are invited to collect their iodine tablets from one of the partner community pharmacies. The list of partner community pharmacies can be consulted on:
https://www.sante.fr/campagne-distribution-iode
The tablets are made available free of charge in pharmacies, without any proof for individuals and with a collection voucher for companies and establishments open to the public (ERP). The grants awarded are calculated on the basis of the composition of the family household, the number of employees for companies and the public welcomed for ERPs.
People with iodine tablets whose expiry date has expired (tablets from previous distribution campaigns) are invited to return the boxes of expired tablets to the pharmacy.
Why is taking iodine necessary?
In the event of a major nuclear accident, the prefect may prescribe the taking of stable iodine tablets to protect the thyroid from the risks of absorption of radioactive iodine.
Taking tablets is intended for all people, but primarily for the following people:
- lnewborns, children and people under 18 years of age;
- lpregnant and breastfeeding womenwhich are more sensitive to the risks associated with exposure to radioactive iodine.
To be effective, stable iodine must be ingested as instructed by the prefect, ideally a few hours before or at the latest 8 hours after exposure.
How does stable iodine work?
Iodine is a natural trace element found in common foods (fish, milk, fruits, etc.). In the event of a nuclear accident, stable iodine (potassium iodide) is used to saturate the thyroid to prevent the absorption of radioactive iodine. This prevention measure is part of a security policy which has been established by the government since 1997, with successive distribution campaigns in risk areas.
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