If you live within a 10-kilometre radius of the Cattenom nuclear power plant in France, the Moselle prefecture invites you to visit your local pharmacy to obtain or renew your iodine tablets.

On Monday, the prefecture issued a public notice reminding residents in the area to stock up on stable iodine tablets, a critical precautionary measure in the event of a nuclear accident.

The process is straightforward: visit a pharmacy to either collect iodine tablets for the first time or renew your existing supply, both of which are free of charge. No documentation is required to receive the tablets.

Authorities stress that this initiative is purely preventive. “Having stable iodine tablets at home provides crucial protection in case iodine intake becomes necessary," the prefecture stated in a press release.

Stable iodine is used to protect the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine, which can be released into the atmosphere during a nuclear incident. The prefecture explained that inhaled or ingested radioactive iodine binds to the thyroid gland, potentially causing long-term health risks. Taking stable iodine tablets saturates the thyroid, preventing it from absorbing harmful radioactive iodine.

In addition to the tablet distribution, the prefecture is organising public information sessions. On 13 October, residents can attend conferences, site tours, and technical presentations to better understand the risks associated with living near a nuclear power plant and how to protect themselves.