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Iodine
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Iodine is the basic component of thyroid hormone that regulates the metabolic rate of the individual. Due to lack of iodine, the thyroid gland increases. Since iodine plays a role in producing energy, the most notable symptoms of a deficiency include lethargy, slowed reflexes and a slowed metabolic rate. Pregnant women who do not get enough iodine increase the risks that their newborn babies will develop some degree of mental retardation. Insufficient iodine can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dry skin, increased blood fats, hoarseness, delayed reflexes, and reduced mental clarity. Cretinism occurs in children whose diet lacks iodine.
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Iodine is a nonmetallic, purplish-black crystalline solid. It has the unusual property of ‘sublimation,' which means that it can go directly from a solid to a gas, without first becoming liquid. It sublimes to a deep violet vapor at room temperature. This vapor is irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. Iodine dissolves in alcohol and in water. It melts at 236 °F.
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Iodine has several medical applications. Typically, in conjunction with drug therapy, iodine may be used to treat goiter (an enlargement of the thyroid gland), symptoms of hypothyroidism (diminished production of thyroid hormone), and hyperthyroidism (increased production of the thyroid gland). It may ... be used as an expectorant in cough medications. Applications of iodine to conditions including arteriosclerosis, arthritis, and angina pectoris have also been noted. Iodine tinctures (dilute mixtures of alcohol and iodine) or Betadyne are used as antiseptics to kill bacteria in skin cuts. Atomidine (a product containing iodine trichloride and other unlisted ingredients) is also sold as an antiseptic.
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Iodine has several major industrial uses. Silver iodide is the main light-sensitive substance in photographic film emulsions and photographic papers. Silver iodide is ... used by weather scientists for "cloud seeding" in rain-making experiments. Other iodine-containing compounds are used as dyes, in engraving, as an indicator in analytic chemistry, and in special soaps and lubricants. Commercial bakeries add sodium iodate to certain kinds of flour to improve the quality of the bread. Some inorganic iodides are used in producing high-purity titanium and silicon metals.
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Iodine deficiency occurs in individuals who do not get adequate iodine in their diet. The thyroid gland is presented with the challenge of maintaining production of thyroid hormones for metabolic demands, despite one of the essential components (iodine) being in short supply. Under these circumstances, the thyroid gland enlarges in order to become more effective at its job. This is known as ‘goitre’, and is the most obvious sign of iodine deficiency. However, other changes in physiology can ... occur, such as a reduction in thyroid hormone synthesis resulting in lower blood levels of thyroid hormones—a condition known as hypothyroidism. This poses a health hazard for all affected people because it can lead to weight gain, lethargy, intolerance to cold, increased blood cholesterol, mental slowness and reduced heart function.
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Iodine may be radioactive. The radioactive isotopes are formed naturally during chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Most radioactive isotopes of iodine have very short half-lives and will reshape into stable iodine compounds quickly. However, there is one radioactive form of iodine that has a half-live of millions of years and that is seriously harmful to the environment. This isotope enters the air from nuclear power plants, where it is formed during uranium and plutonium processing. Accidents in nuclear power plants have caused the release of large amounts of radioactive iodine into air.
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Iodine