A rare element, iodine is a chemical in the class of halogens, such as chlorine, that is found in seawater and in brown algae. The highest exporting country of iodine is Japan which processes the element from seaweed. The chemical is essential in mammal dietary needs and useful in industrial processes. Because iodine attaches to organic materials, it is used in medicine and food processing, and it has other important scientific implementations.
Iodine in CAT Scans
In the industry of medicine, iodine is used in contrast media for X-rays, such as a CAT-scan. The iodine-dye is useful in this process as it carried in the plasma. The veins, arteries, and organs in the body are then seen through the CAT scan because the iodine-dye limits the radiation that can pass through the organs. The radiation of a CAT-scan is considered harmless. The iodine-dye will show if the arteries are blocked, hemorrhaging, or weak. The iodine-dye also travels to the organs to help doctors find tumors or damage.
Iodine in Disinfectants
For over 150 years, iodine has been used as a disinfectant for wounds. Iodine solutions are made with alcohol and iodophors for cleaning antimicrobial antiseptic solutions. Due to the fast-acting power of the iodine and the lower levels of chemical reactions, such as what happens with chlorine, iodine is first choice in cleaning for before shots or incisions. However, iodine is known for staining and causing irritations and rashes.
Iodine in Medical Health
Iodine is an essential element in mammals. Humans need certain levels of iodine to maintain healthy thyroids. Many different processes have helped in discovering other medical benefits of iodine, such as breast health, goiter prevention and metabolism improvement.
Iodine in Animal Feed
Iodine is used to create a supplement for animal feed to ease digestion and maintain thyroid health. The supplement product is a salt that not only is used in cattle feed, but also as a health benefit for prevention of hoof rot and mental deficiency. The chemical for the salt, ethylenediamine dihydroiodide, is considered 'safe' by the FDA but recommended as a 'limited-use' product. The reason for the limits is the potential for the iodine to react with the sulfates in the cattle's feed.
Iodine as a Catalyst
The major use of iodine in industrial programs is the use of its reactive properties as a catalyst to create acetic acid. Acetic acid is a weak acid mostly found in vinegar but also used to create photographic film and wood glue. Iodine added with carbon monoxide and processed into a by-product that creates the different types of acetic acid needed for the various inventions.
Sources:
- WebMD: Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Body.
- Contrast Materials. RaiologyInfo.org
- American Society for Microbiology: Antiseptics and Disinfectants
- Prince Agri: Production of Animal Feed Grade Iodine Products
- Platinum Metals Review: The Cativa Process for the Manufacture Plant of Acetic Acid
A. L. Fetherlin - Author of "Brynn, the Exorcist" and former day care teacher who uses her home as an experiment in woodworking and building projects.
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