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Post by cajunlady87 on Aug 24, 2014 7:50:03 GMT -7
I know iodine can be used to disinfect nasties in water. My question is:
Can iodine be used to treat water from any type of dirty bomb fallout for drinking purposes?
One more question:
We're all familiar with expiration dates on meds. Over time its potency will break down and something is better than nothing to survive, but we don't want to rush our demise either because the iodine just didn't have any more "umpth" to treat the water. So, how long should iodine be trusted to treat water past the date?
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Post by crashdive123 on Aug 24, 2014 10:34:03 GMT -7
No, it cannot be used to treat water that has been contaminated with radioactive fallout. Iodine (and chlorine) while very effective, are not the do all, end all water treatment. It is not the most effective treatment against parasites, and the colder the water - the less effective it is.
As far as expiration dates go - they are probably still effective past the expiration date, but considering how cheap they are why take the chance?
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Post by graf on Aug 24, 2014 11:21:08 GMT -7
Iodine 2% tincture is supossably good for 7 years. I keep abottle with all my canteens taped around the cap to prevent spillage or air entering. I recommend trying before you depend on it some folks have a problem with the taste and the stomachs don't always agree. I tried the 5 drops per qt./ ltr./ no problem, then I tried a few days later 10 drops the max allowed per qt/ltr. had a slight stomach ache with that but better than drinking pathagens. I also recommend people try the bleach treament for the same reason 2 drops per qt/ltr max is 4 drops.
Pouring treated water between 2 containers a few times adds oxygen and can make the water taste better.
Either chemical needs to be shaken then lossen cap tip upside down and allow treated water to wet threads and cap in case they accumulated pathagens while getting water into the canteen. Then tighten cap shake and let sit for 30 minutes extreme water let set longer atleast 1 hour.
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Post by geron on Aug 24, 2014 12:27:53 GMT -7
Polar Pure Water disinfectant: Shelf Life (from manufacturer) Question: What is the shelf life of Polar Pure? Is there an expiration date? Polar Pure uses pure elemental iodine which has an indefinite shelf life. There is no expiration date. It does not degrade with time or temperature if kept tightly sealed. If you do not fill your bottle of Polar Pure with water, the iodine will sublimate (vaporize) if the bottle is left open. Be sure that your bottle is tightly capped between uses. It is best to fill your bottle of Polar Pure with water and tightly cap when you receive it. Iodine complexes -- tetraglycine hydroperiodide tablets -- are sold under various names (Globaline, Potable Aqua) are convenient and effective when fresh but degrade on air exposure; tablets should be discarded 3 months after opening bottle. Polar Pure will produce a saturated solution capable of disinfecting your water for as long as you can see iodine crystals in the bottom of your Polar Pure bottle. www.polarequipment.com/questions.htmI keep several bottles of this some I've had maybe 25-30 years or longer. It is advisable to keep the bottles tightly closed, lid taped and bagged in plastic. If it leaks or gas excapes it will turn most everything in the vacinity brownish. www.polarequipment.com/directions.htmI have no affiliation with this company . . . Just another tool in surviving. CD123 answered your other question.
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Post by cajunlady87 on Aug 24, 2014 13:35:14 GMT -7
Very informative replies guys, thanks! With all the heightened threats of late, my thoughts turn to dirty bomb attacks. Yes I do have water stored but that will only get me so far. I don't have the luxury of large storage tanks so I'm thinking of other water resources available to me. Since bayou waters cannot be treated with iodine, they are not an option. I guess my next alternative would be rain catchment.
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