Tincture of iodine is usually 5% elemental iodine in ethanol, although it is also available in 2%, 3%, and 7% mixtures. It is an essential component of any emergency survival kit, used both to disinfect wounds and to sanitize surface water for drinking. General Name, Symbol, Number iodine, I, 53 Chemical series halogens Group, Period, Block 17, 5, p Appearance violet-dark gray, lustrous Atomic mass 126. ... This article is about the chemical compound. ...

When alcohol solution is not desirable, Lugol's iodine, an aqueous solution of iodine in potassium iodide solution, or Betadine, a PVPI solution, can be used. Lugols iodine, also known as Lugols solution, first made in 1829, is a solution of iodine named after the French physician J.G.A. Lugol. ... Potassium iodide is a white crystalline salt with chemical formula KI, used in photography and radiation treatment. ... Betadine is a povidone-iodine solution, used as a broad spectrum topical microbicide. ... An Iodophor is a preparation containing iodine complexed with a solubilizing agent, such as a surfactant or povidone. ...

It can also be used to detect and treat iodine deficiency which can lead to hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is the disease state caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. ...

Iodine is toxic. Children and pregnant women, who are more sensitive to it, should avoid its use. Human metabolism requires trace amount of Iodine, which is satisfied by iodised salt. Iodised salt (iodized salt) is ordinary table salt mixed with a tiny amount of iodine salts, so that it prevents disease of the thyroid gland. ...

When using iodine to sanitize surface water, it should be left to sit for 30 minutes before drinking, allowing time for all viruses and bacteria to be killed. If the water temperature is less than 20°C (68°F), sitting time should be extended to several hours. To purify 1 L (34 oz) of water, 0.3 mL (0.01 oz) of 2% tincture should be used. Cold or cloudy water should be given 2.4 mL (0.08 oz) of 2% iodine, and should be left to sit for several hours.

Iodine used to sanitize water is also available in tablet or crystal form. One form or another should be available at health stores, and trip outfitters.

External links

• Health Canada Information on Water Filtration