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How is iodine used as a disinfectant?
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halogen
Modern version of the periodic table of the elements.
Iodine is widely utilized as a disinfectant and antiseptic due to its effectiveness as a bactericide and fungicide. It is frequently applied in the following forms:12
- Solutions: Iodine is commonly prepared as a solution in alcohol and water, often containing potassium iodide to stabilize the mixture. Lugol’s solution, a mixture of iodine and potassium iodide in water, is a well-known antiseptic that is often less irritating to open wounds than alcohol-based iodine tinctures.12
- Iodophors: These are complexes of iodine and surface-active agents that release iodine gradually, serving as effective disinfectants.3
- Iodine Compounds: Certain compounds, such as iodoform (CHI), are also used for their antiseptic properties.1
When using these substances, it is important to handle them with care, as highly concentrated iodine is poisonous and can cause serious damage to skin and tissues.4