By Thomas Roberts


The capacity to think, reason and emote separates humans from beasts. The gray matter inside the skull is more than an advanced processor. It certainly is capable of creativity, innovation, and its capacity for scientific inquiry has caused technology to advance in leaps and bounds. One such inquiry led to the discovery of a new element heretofore unknown. This was iodide and its iodine derivatives.

Its identity as a novel element was in eighteen eleven and succeeding experiments were made to know its properties, preparation, applications, and derivatives. Combine with potash, it was used in the treatment of physical disorders like goiter effectively. Its antiseptic properties were also very effective through alcohol dissolution. Besides its clinical applications, this was also utilized in photography.

At present this is being utilized in many fields of human activity, especially in chemical and industrial sectors. It certainly is an active ingredient in animal feed, medicines, fuel oil, and sanitizers. Its first practical application in industry was in professional photography. Silver plates used in photography were treated with its vapors.

Along with its compounds, this element performs very well as a catalyst for several chemical reactions. Its value in the field of pharmaceuticals and medicine cannot be overstated. Pharmaceutical companies manufacture antiseptic utilizing this as the main component. It really is excellent in curing and controlling prophylaxis, goiter and other ailments. This is also used as disinfectants in food processing factories.

Most pesticides and insecticides contain some chemicals that are very harmful to the ozone layer and that is why there are very strict laws regarding its usage. Methyl iodide which is a derivative of iodine does not leave a significant effect on this layer. This was the result of a study made by the department of agriculture which determined its effectiveness in controlling some species of fungi, nematodes, and weeds.

Its deficiency is becoming more and more common these days. This is because the soil nutrients lose more of it in the air that it receives in the form of rain. Since all living creatures depend on food coming from agriculture, it naturally follows that the content in agricultural products is decreasing every year. Today most salts have iodine additives to counter the incidence of diseases.

The thyroid gland in humans produces hormone thyroxin through the synthesis of which iodine is a catalyst. The lack of this substance in early childhood can cause physical and mental development impairment. This can lead to myxedema and goiter and the simpler enlargement of the thyroid gland. This disease was known to be cured by burnt seaweed in earlier times and seaweed contain lots of iodine.

Iodine is around us always. It is present in almost all natural elements, in rocks, soil, plants, animals, and in the oceans. It is a very unique element as it cannot be seen or perceived in its natural state. Its presence can only be detected when it is combined with other elements. But this comes out as very tiny in volume. Only marine life forms like seaweeds contain large volumes of this.

Production of this is through deep saline or bromide wells. The biggest producers are Chile and Japan. Chile has the largest deposits found in one of its northern territories. These deposits are referred to as sodium nitrate or caliches. The deposits are very unique in that it contains many types of unusual salts which are termed as Chilean saltpeter.




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