Hundreds come for radiation pills

CLINTON, Ill. -- A year ago, Charles and Deborah Bateson may have disregarded a chance to stock up on pills that help block radiation in case of an accident at the nuclear plant near their home.

They were among the first to get the pills Saturday.

Hundreds of residents within 10 miles of the Clinton nuclear power plant took advantage of a weekend giveaway of potassium iodide pills. The pills can block buildup of one type of radiation in the thyroid gland, but do not guard against other kinds of radiation.