Iodine as water purifier

[MBTull]

I found tincture of iodine in the first aid section of my local Safeway. I got it for my FAK. Will this stuff work as a water purifier? How may drops per quart? How long do you let it sit?

Thanks

 

[j williams]

First filter through tshirt etc, Iodine works slower depending on how cold the water is, or iodine is, 5 drops per quart/ 2-3hrs, 10 drops per quart/ 1-2 hours. However the more you use, the worse the water will taste. Thats for Cold water.

Warm water- no more then 10 drops/ 30 min sit time minimum per quart.

If I remember corectly- You should always use more iodine then less if the water is really bad. Rather then let less drops sit longer if that makes sense.

I did read somewhere that if you flavor your water to make it tastier, wait till the iodine is done working(at least 30min) before adding it, or the Vitamen C will kill the iodine before it works.

 

[takao]

I saw something by cody Lundin on you tube mentioning the amount of drops per quart and the time.

 

[wildmike]

You can use it and it works fine. 5 drops per quart wait 30 minutes on average, up to 1 hour if it is really cold. 10 drops is only needed if the water is of really dubious quality. Increase time if the water is turgid or has a large amount of suspended material.

 

[k_estela]

Polar pure is your best bet. Iodine crystals are better to use as only a certain amount of iodine will dissolve in water in this form. Drops of iodine can be different volumes and potentially dangerous if too concentrated.

 

[Dannyboy Leather]

I found tincture of iodine in the first aid section of my local Safeway. I got it for my FAK. Will this stuff work as a water purifier? How may drops per quart? How long do you let it sit?

Thanks

Yep, it works. Don't forget to shake your bottle once the iodine is added. I also loosen the water container lid and let some of the treated water run onto the threads or cap area. I have seen more than a few folks get sick because they forgot to treat the contaminated exterior of the container mouth. I, too, prefer using the iodine crystals when possible. However, I have an allergy to iodine and only used it when I absolutely had to in the South American and Vietnam jungles (mild allergy response). I have also heard of people who had some anaphylaxis issues with water treated with iodine, so some caution might be in order too. I keep the iodine crystals around for other people and, for myself, I use a filter or other types of treatments.

 

[chuck buck]

iodine can be harmful to people with thyroid disorders but i dont know why or how. does anyone have any information about that by chance?

 

[Grampa]

Polar pure is your best bet. Iodine crystals are better to use as only a certain amount of iodine will dissolve in water in this form. Drops of iodine can be different volumes and potentially dangerous if too concentrated.

I've used this method for years, and never had a problem. Simple, easy, effective! :thumbup:


As long as you don't mind the iodine taste!