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] UN3495
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; Products that release iodine include iodoform, and povidone-iodine; Lugol's solution containing 5% iodine and 10% iodide in water; Amiodarone is a cardiac drug that releases iodine and may cause thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism. Iodine is used in the production of dyes and photographic chemicals. [Olson, p. 274] 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. 274] Iodine vapor at 0.1 ppm caused no symptoms of irritation, while 0.3 ppm made work impossible. Excess intake of iodine can cause hypothyroidism. The upper limit is 1.1 mg/day, and 150 ug/day is recommended. [ACGIH] Iodide salts are not caustic like iodine. After ingestion, hypersensitivity reactions, e.g., angioedema and urticaria, may occur; Chronic ingestion of iodide salts may cause various skin diseases, goiter, hypothyroidism, and congenital thyroid effects; [HSDB] Causes lachrymation; [ICSC]
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
No
TLV (ACGIH)
0.01 ppm, inhalable fraction and vapor
STEL (ACGIH)
0.1 ppm, inhalable fraction and vapor
PEL (OSHA)
Ceiling(OSHA) = 0.1 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
0.233 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 137 ppm/1H
Explanatory Notes
VP from HSDB; See 2022 "Notice of Intended Changes" for TLV; [ACGIH TLVs and BEIs]
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Classifiable
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:
Activities
Activities with risk of exposure: