Pills Issued as Nuclear Sub Arrives
by Stewart Payne

Schools near a port where a nuclear submarine has docked, have been issued with protective medication as a precautionary measure against a radiation leak.

More than 160,000 potassium iodate tablets have been distributed in and around Portsmouth following the arrival of the 18-year-old Trafalgar class submarine, Torbay, for exercises.

The tablets, to be taken only in an emergency, prevent the onset of thyroid cancer.

The pills have been issued for the first time to 31 schools and the city's university and art college by Hampshire County Council, in accordance with new legislation.

Martyn Powell, the emergency planning officer for the council, said: "The worst scenario is for gamma radiation to leak into the atmosphere from the vessel. This does not have a fatal effect but can cause cancer of the thyroid gland about 30 years down the line. Obviously the pills will only be handed out in the very unlikely event of a leak."

Marilyn Mullen, Head Teacher of Alverstoke Junior School in Gosport, said: "I have been told I will be contacted and given instructions on what to do in an emergency. These precautions have been handled very efficiently and we have no concerns at all."
The Daily Telegraph, 9th October, 2003