Iodine (not iodide): Antiseptic / disinfectant

Iodine is a potent germicide

(even at very dilute (1/170,000) concentrations)

Iodine destroys single-celled microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, by denaturing their membrane proteins.

-   Iodine reacts with the amino acids tyrosine and/or histidine showing on the outer membranes of the microbes.   This simple chemical reaction causes the protein that these amino acids are attached to, to stop functioning properly. As with all halogens, iodine is less effective against cryptosporidia.

-   Only iodine (the oxidized state) not iodide (the reduced state) has antiseptic and antibacterial properties

Iodine "Disinfects” Blood

It takes about 18 minutes for all the blood in the body to pass through the thyroid gland to be mildly disinfected.   Also iodine directly enters the blood stream after intake;

Iodine used to purify water

Iodine's action is dependent on its concentration, the water temperature and the duration of contact.    A concentration of 8 mgs/L or PPM (1 liter = ~1quart) at 20°C will destroy all pathogens if left for 10 minutes.Lower concentrations and water temperatures require longer. You can use tincture of iodine, iodine crystals and tablets.

-    Lugol's solution.    Contains 5% iodine and 10% potassium iodide. Add 3 drops/L water. Note: 3 times more iodine is consumed compared to sources without iodide.

-    Tincture of iodine.    Not preferred source; contains 2% iodine / 2.4% sodium iodide in 50% ethyl alcohol (which has no purification effect) - adequate levels are normally achieved by using 8 drops /qt of water or 2 drops to an 8oz. glass.

-    Vitamin C can remove most of iodine taste from water AFTER disinfection.   Neutralize the iodine with dissolvable vitamin C tablets/powder, lime or lemon juice (allow time for action). Note: this also stops the disinfectant action.

Iodine used to disinfect swimming pools

Iodine is a superior choice than chlorine to disinfect swimming pools.    Safer, and less expensive than chlorine with the use of iodine at 1 to 2 PPM;