PREPARED BY: Environmental Health
DATE: 2025-11-20
SUBJECT: Nuclear Preparedness - KI Pill Distribution Update
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
The Windsor and Essex County (WEC) region is located within the primary and secondary zones (16km and 80km respectively) of two nuclear installations in Michigan and Ohio – the Enrico Fermi 2 and the Davis-Besse. Although both installations are not located within Canadian borders, the impact they have on our region is the same in the event a nuclear emergency occurs.
The WECHU re-launched the KI Pill Distribution initiative in July 2024 in partnership with local municipalities, with an initial focus on residents living in the primary zone with an expansion into the secondary zone. This initiative continued in 2025 to ensure residents especially those living in the primary zone are prepared for a nuclear emergency and have access to KI pills.
DISCUSSION
As of October 2025, the WECHU, in collaboration with municipal partners, has distributed a total of 12,800 KI pills to residents in the primary and secondary zones through in-person pick up and mail out events, which included 4 high risks congregate living settings and 7 schools within the primary zone. Ongoing efforts to promote KI pill uptake among primary zone residents have resulted in 78% of residents receiving them. Final reminder letters will be mailed out to primary zone residents in October of 2025. The WECHU remains committed to achieving 100% of KI pill distribution to households in the primary zone and will follow up with a mailout of the KI pills in the spring of 2026 for those who have not obtained their KI pills.
Due to the temperature sensitivity of KI pills, the mail out service is currently unavailable until next spring. However, in-person pick-up remains available throughout the fall and winter at select locations as listed on the WECHU Potassium Iodide (KI) Distribution webpage. The WECHU will continue to work with the Town of Kingsville and Town of Amherstburg to ensure they have supply for ongoing in-person pick-up at their public facilities.
Residents who received new KI pills were advised to safely dispose of expired tablets in their household garbage or return them to a local pharmacy.
Additionally, the WECHU has updated its KI Tablets Facts webpage to include guidance for infants and individuals who are unable to swallow pills. A liquid KI solution is recommended in such cases, with instructions for preparing age-appropriate dosages provided on the website.
As WECHU continues to strengthen its nuclear emergency preparedness efforts, a proposed initiative involves developing a coordinated plan to streamline the logistics of KI pill distribution. Collaboration with municipalities will be essential to establish emergency stockpiles in high-density areas, ensuring timely and accessible distribution.