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NEW HILL, N.C. — Potassium iodide pills have become about as popular as Cipro was after the anthrax attacks.
Some people believe the pills, which can protect the thyroid gland from cancer-causing raditation, will protect people who live near nuclear plants in case there is a disaster.
The federal government wants to distribute them for free, but state officials are saying thanks, but no thanks.
"We didn't want them sticking around, hunting for where the pills are they put away two or three months or years ago and any delay that might cause," said Mel Fry, director of the state's Radiation Protection division.
Fry said quick evacuation is the best plan, not a pill that only protects one gland.
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