What Are Iodine Crystals Used For?
Iodine is an element, the 53rd element of the periodic table. In its pure state it exists as a diatomic molecule of two iodine atoms, I2; it's a solid that sublimates (evaporate directly into a gas without passing through the liquid phase) even at room temperature. Iodine crystals have a variety of licit and illicit uses and applications.
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Iodine is commercially available in tinctures (solutions of iodine in alcohol; the pure crystalline form sublimates quite readily, however, and therefore must be stored in such a fashion that it cannot all evaporate). Iodine crystals are usually kept in sealed containers for this reason.
Methamphetamine
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The federal government regulates the sale of iodine crystals since combining iodine crystals with water and phosphorus (usually in the form of red phosphorous or phosphoric acid) yields hydriodic acid, a chemical some people use in the production of methamphetamine. Sales of iodine crystals exceeding .4 kilograms to a single individual or entity in a two-month period must be tracked by suppliers; there are state-specific regulations that may apply as well.
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Water Purification
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Some companies and online vendors like Granny's Store sell iodine crystals for water disinfection and purification; iodine tablets are also available from many sporting goods stores. The iodine kills microorganisms in the water to help make it safer to drink; adding iodine will not, however, remove solids or chemical contaminants, and some protozoan cysts (like those of Giardia parasites) may be more resistant. It's generally not recommended to disinfect water in this way over a long period of time, although if used occasionally or as needed it should be safe; always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Animal Feed and Other Uses
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Animal feed is often supplemented with iodine compounds like potassium iodide in order to ensure animals have sufficient iodine in their diet. Iodine crystals can be used to produce antiseptic tinctures for humans and farm animals. Iodine crystals also find use in the manufacture of chemicals for developing photographic film, dyes, inks and other industrial uses.
Warning
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Pure iodine is potentially toxic at very high doses; an oral dose of 2 to 3 milligrams may be lethal according to the World Health Organization, and doses of iodine tincture in the 30 to 250 milliliter range are potentially harmful as well. Always take appropriate precautions.
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References
- Photo Credit water drops enters into water image by Denis Tabler from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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it is harmful to the skin?
