Agent Name |
Iodine |
CAS Number |
7553-56-2 |
Formula |
I2 |
Major Category |
Other Classes |
Synonyms |
Actomar; Diiodine; Eranol; Ethanolic solution of iodine; IODE [French]; Iodine; Iodine ((127)I2); Iodine Tincture USP; Iodine colloidal; Iodine crystals; Iodine solution; Iodine sublimed; Iodine tincture; Iodine-127; Iodio [Italian]; Iosan superdip; Jod [German, Polish]; Jood [Dutch]; Molecular iodine; Tincture iodine; Vistarin; [ChemIDplus] |
Category |
Elements, Nonmetallic |
Description |
Violet solid with a sharp, characteristic odor; [NIOSH] Iodide salts are white powders; [ACGIH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used as an antiseptic to kill bacteria, spores, viruses, and protozoa; Prepared as tinctures of 50% ethanol; Products that release iodine include iodoform, iodochlorhydroxyquin, povidone-iodine, and sodium and potassium iodides; Lugol's solution containing 5% iodine and 10% potassium iodide is used to treat hyperthyroidism and to prevent radioactive iodine absorption by the thyroid gland; Amiodarone is a cardiac drug that releases iodine and may cause thyrotoxicosis. Iodine is used in the production of dyes and photographic chemicals. [Olson, p. 227] Iodides are used in animal supplements, catalysts, inks, radiopaque dyes, drugs, disinfectants, and photography; Also used to make batteries, high-purity metals, engine fuels, iodized salt, and lubricants; [ACGIH] |
Comments |
Iodine vapor is an irritant that may cause pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Strong iodine tincture containing 7% iodine and 5% potassium iodide in 83% ethanol is corrosive to tissue. USP iodine tincture, povidone-iodine, and iodoforms are generally not corrosive. Ingestion of iodine can cause hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. The mean lethal dose is about 2-4 grams of free iodine. [Olson, p. 227] Excess intake of iodine can cause hypothyroidism. The upper limit is 1.1 mg/day, and 150 ug/day is recommended. [ACGIH] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
TLV (ACGIH) |
0.01 ppm, inhalable fraction and vapor |
STEL (ACGIH) |
0.1 ppm, vapor and aerosol |
PEL (OSHA) | Ceiling(OSHA) = 0.1 ppm |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
2 ppm |
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Human data: It has been reported that work was difficult but possible at 0.15 to 0.2 ppm and that work was impossible at 0.3 ppm [Flury and Zernik 1931]. Exposures to 1 ppm have been reported to be highly irritating [Casarett 1975]. Eye irritation was experienced at 1.63 ppm after 2 minutes [ACGIH 1980]. |
Vapor Pressure |
0.3 mm Hg |
Lethal Concentration |
LCLo (rats) = 137 ppm/1H |
Explanatory Notes |
TLV is for "Iodine and iodides; [ACGIH] |
Adverse Effects |
Toxic Pneumonitis |
Yes |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: IODINE
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