The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport has decided that people who would be at risk if there is a nuclear accident should always have iodine tablets available. This is why it will be distributing iodine tablets in October 2017 to ensure those living close to nuclear facilities are protected in the event of a nuclear incident.
The government wants to make sure the Netherlands is well prepared for a nuclear emergency. On 2 July 2014, the Minister of Economic Affairs told parliament that iodine tablets should be distributed preventatively in a larger region around nuclear facilities.
This means that the Netherlands will be taking the same precautions as the governments of neighbouring countries Belgium and Germany. The decision was made in line with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines.
Iodine tablets will be sent to people in two target groups:
Anyone aged under 41, within a 20 km radius around a nuclear facility.
Children under 18, living within a 20-100 km radius around a nuclear facility.
See this page for more info or direct your questions to your GP.
