What are the 300,000 iodine tablets stored in Charente used for in the event of a nuclear incident?

A legal obligation

The distribution of iodine tablets is part of the mandatory prevention plans in France, updated every five years. “There is a specific plan for populations living within a 20 km radius around a power plant and a second for those who are further away, and which therefore concerns Charente,” says Pierre Gé. “This plan provides for the preventive distribution of iodine tablets in the event of a nuclear incident, such as an accident during the transport of radioactive material. » In the event of a more serious event, such as a reactor explosion, the authorities may decide to confine the population.

300,000 tablets stored

These iodine tablets are carefully kept at a wholesale distributor in the Angoulême metropolitan area. “The objective is to saturate the thyroid gland with clean iodine to prevent it from being damaged by radioactive iodine,” explains Pierre Gé. The priority groups to receive these tablets are young people under 20 and pregnant women. They will be the first served. “The stock for Charente is 300,000 tablets. With a different dosage depending on the public and age. »

Revised distribution methods

In the event of an incident, it is the prefecture which delivers the tablets. “Until now, it was planned that they would be delivered to the cantonal capitals. Since the rise of the communities of municipalities, it is they who will have to ensure this distribution. They must therefore identify one or two places for delivery of tablets in their territory. » Where residents will then come to collect their tablets. This is the reason why the subject arises at the end of the year on the menu of community councils, even if Charente has no reason to tremble in the face of nuclear risks. “The objective is to have completed this update by the first half of 2025.” The prefect then signs an order so that this prevention plan comes into force.