Tincture of iodine
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2008-07-16T21:43:10Z
Nimakha
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Removed unrelated section on nitrogen triiodide
{{Refimprove|date=March 2008}}
{{Expert-verify|date=April 2008}}
'''Tincture of iodine''' is a disinfectant, usually 8% elemental [[iodine]] in [[ethanol]].
== Overview ==
It is often found in emergency survival kits, used both to disinfect wounds and to sanitize surface water for drinking<ref name=water>{{cite web|url=http://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/sci_data/misc/type_txt/travel.asp|title=http://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/sci_data/misc/type_txt/travel.asp|accessdate=2008-05-06}} CDC</ref>.
When alcohol solution is not desirable, [[Lugol's iodine]], an aqueous solution of iodine in [[potassium iodide]] solution, or [[povidone iodine]] ([[Betadine]]), a [[iodophor|PVPI solution]], can be used.
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 [[iodized salt]].
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.
Following disinfection, the iodine odor and taste can be removed by adding powdered [[vitamin C]], which converts the [[iodine]] to [[iodide]]. A similar reaction also removes chlorine from chlorinated water.{{Fact|date=May 2008}}
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.
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
* [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/water-eau/drink-potab/water_outdoors-eau_plein_air_e.html Health Canada Information on Water Filtration]
* [http://www.vrp.com/art/1781.asp?c=1180093641109&h=52&k=/det/9936.asp&m=/&p=no&s=0 Iodine: The Universal Nutrient Article]
* [http://altmedangel.com/iodine.htm How to Self-Test for an Iodine Deficiency]
* [http://iodine4health.com/ortho/ortho.htm Orthoiodosupplementation]
* [http://iodine4health.com/body/body.htm Iodine and the Body]
* [http://iodine4health.com/special/special.htm Iodine - Special Topics]
* [http://www.harvestfields.ca/Fred/006.htm Chemical Incompatables]
[[Category:Antiseptics]]
[[Category:Disinfectants]]
[[Category:Iodine]]
[[bg:Йодна тинктура]]
[[da:Jodspiritus]]
[[de:Iodtinktur]]
[[es:Tintura de yodo]]
[[fr:Teinture d'iode]]
[[it:Tintura di iodio]]
[[ja:ヨードチンキ]]
[[pl:Jodyna]]
[[pt:Tintura de iodo]]
[[sk:Jódová tinktúra]]
[[tr:Tentürdiyot]]