Short answer. Argentina does not pre-distribute stable iodine. If an emergency is declared at a nuclear plant (green alert), the National Gendarmerie and Naval Prefecture hand out tablets to people within 10 km, to be taken only when the radio announces the red alarm 12. Argentina's three operating power reactors are Atucha I and II (Lima, Zárate) and Embalse (Córdoba) 3.
Who receives iodine tablets in Argentina?
People living up to 10 km around a nuclear power plant 1. When the emergency is declared, "Gendarmería Nacional repartirá comprimidos de yodo estable en casas, escuelas, comercios y edificios públicos" (the National Gendarmerie will hand out stable iodine tablets to homes, schools, shops and public buildings), with an explanatory leaflet 1. The Naval Prefecture also takes part in distribution 2.
The plants concerned are Atucha I and Atucha II in Lima, Zárate (Buenos Aires province) and Embalse (Córdoba province), operated by Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A. (NA-SA), with plans approved by the ARN 3.
When should you take the tablet?
Only when the red alarm message is heard on the radio 2. At the green alert you receive the tablets but do not take them 2. Warnings near plants come by local FM radio, loudspeakers and sirens; see our alerts page.
What dose applies by age?
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| Over 12 years | 1 tablet 2 |
| 3 to 12 years | 1/2 tablet or 2 capsules of 32.5 mg, dissolved 2 |
| 1 month to 3 years | 1 capsule of 32.5 mg, dissolved 2 |
| Up to 1 month | 1 capsule of 16.25 mg, dissolved 2 |
Follow the leaflet handed out with the tablets and official instructions.
Can you buy potassium iodide in Argentina?
Not confirmed. No official source from ANMAT, the medicines regulator, was found on whether potassium iodide for radiological protection is sold over the counter or on prescription. Ask a pharmacist or doctor; the official route is distribution at the green alert 1.
Are there drills?
Yes. External nuclear emergency drills are held with residents; the 43rd exercise of the Atucha emergency plan took place on 2 October 2025 in Lima, Zárate 4.
What does iodine protect against?
Stable iodine protects only the thyroid against radioactive iodine. Our guides on potassium iodide and nuclear plant zones explain the general science.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get iodine tablets in advance in Argentina?
No. Tablets are handed out within 10 km of the plant once the green alert is declared 1.
When do I take the tablet?
Only when the red alarm is announced on the radio 2.
What dose for a child aged 5?
For ages 3 to 12, half a tablet or 2 capsules of 32.5 mg, dissolved 2.
Which plants are covered?
Atucha I and II in Lima, Zárate, and Embalse in Córdoba 3.
Sources
- Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear (ARN) — Medidas de protección a la población hasta los 10 km de la Central Nuclear — https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/2025/09/medidas_de_proteccion_poblacion.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear (ARN) — ¿Qué hacer en una emergencia nuclear? — https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/2025/09/que_hacer_en_emergencia_nuclear_2025.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear (ARN) — Centrales nucleares en Argentina — https://www.argentina.gob.ar/arn/informacion-para-la-comunidad/centrales-nucleares-en-argentina (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear (ARN) — Simulacros de emergencia nuclear — https://www.argentina.gob.ar/arn/informacion-para-la-comunidad/simulacros-de-emergencia-nuclear (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Argentina, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear (ARN) · Medidas de protección a la población hasta los 10 km de la Central Nuclear checked 2026-10-20
- Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear (ARN) · ¿Qué hacer en una emergencia nuclear? checked 2026-10-20
- Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear (ARN) · Centrales nucleares en Argentina checked 2026-10-20
- Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear (ARN) · Simulacros de emergencia nuclear checked 2026-10-20