What is iodine?
Iodine is a chemical element (as are oxygen, hydrogen, and iron). It occurs in a variety of chemical forms, the most important being: iodide (I-); iodate (IO3-), and elemental iodine (I2). It is present in fairly constant amounts in seawater but its distribution over land and fresh water is uneven. Deficiency is especially associated with high new mountains (e.g., Himalayas, Andes, Alps) and areas of frequent flooding, but many other areas are also deficient (e.g., Central Africa, Central Asia, much of Europe).
Iodine is a nonmetallic chemical element which is found abundantly in seawater and in some minerals in the earth. It is classified in the halogens, along with elements like chlorine and bromine, and like other elements in this group, iodine is reactive and toxic in large amounts. There are a number of useful applications for iodine, especially in the field of medicine, and the element is also a vital trace element needed for proper human nutrition. In pure form, iodine is a lustrous substance with a purple to black color. It vaporizes into a lovely blue-purple gas which also happens to be quite toxic. Pure iodine is corrosive and poisonous, and it should be handled very carefully, ideally while wearing gloves and face protection. The element is identified with the symbol I and it has an atomic number of 53. Although slightly less reactive than some other elements in the halogen group, iodine will react readily with a range of substances. Many people are familiar with iodine in the form
Iodine is a naturally occurring element found in sea water and in certain rocks and sediments. There are non radioactive and radioactive forms of iodine. Iodine is used as a disinfectant for cleaning surfaces and storage containers and is used in skin soaps and bandages, and for purifying water. Iodine is also added to some table salt to ensure that all people in the United States have enough iodine in their diet. Most radioactive iodine is manmade. It is used in medical tests and to treat certain diseases. Most radioactive forms of iodine change very quickly (seconds to days) to stable elements that are not radioactive. However, 129I (read as iodine 129) changes very slowly (over millions of years).
Iodine is an element (atomic number 53), which is required by humans for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine/T3 and thyroxine/T4). Chronic iodine deficiency can lead to numerous health problems in children and adults, including thyroid gland dysfunction (including goiter) and various neurologic, gastrointestinal, and skin abnormalities. Iodine deficiency in pregnant or nursing mothers can lead to significant neurocognitive deficits in their infants. “Cretinism” or severe mental retardation is a rare outcome of severe iodine deficiency during early development. Growth stunting, apathy, impaired movement, or speech/hearing problems may occur. Many individuals living in developing countries may be at risk of iodine deficiency and its complications, and iodine deficiency is considered to be a preventable cause of mental retardation. Iodine deficiency is rare in industrialized countries such as the United States, due to enrichment of table salt and cattle feed with iodine. B
