7 Essential Uses Of Iodine Derivatives You Should Know About

By Carolyn Nelson


Iodide is one of the scarcest non-metallic elements that are naturally found in the ocean and soil. This mineral is found in trace amounts in things that surround people. The element can be found in salty water and plant-based foods as well. Iodized salt also contains this mineral. Having enough of this mineral in the body is critical to the health of a person. This mineral is also used to create iodine derivatives that are used on a daily basis. Below, you will discover several uses of the by-products of this non-metallic element.

The iodide by-products are used to create LCD screens. These screens usually have liquid crystals that must be activated using an electric current. This element is, therefore, an essential precursor for the manufacturing of these screens. The element dopes the plastic polarizing screens to make them work effectively. The LCD screens are in turn used to make digital watches, calculators, TV screens and laptop computers, among others.

These by-products are critical in the preparation of animal feeds. Animals like pigs, poultry, and cattle feed of the feeds. Then, humans become the beneficiaries of iodide from the feeds when they consume the animal products. This mineral is broken down in the body and absorbed. It is essential in keeping the brain active. The nervous system also depends on iodide to function properly.

Iodized salt contains the mineral as well. People can, thus, take iodide directly by using the salt for seasoning their meals. It is crucial to have enough iodide in the body. This is because it helps in keeping the body organs functional efficiently. A deficiency of this mineral will cause IDD. The deficiency will consequently cause goiter and brain damage. That is why people should always maintain a stable level of iodide in the body.

The mineral and its by-products are essential in the production of nylon 6 and 6.6. These polymers are critical in the manufacture of tires. Usually, these polymers keep the tires at a temperature of 120 degrees. Iodide stabilizes the heat during production. Therefore, the temperature of tires can be increased to 170 degrees. The mineral compound stabilizes temperatures in tires and increases their lifetime.

Another use of the by-products of the element is in the pharmaceutical industry. Iodide is used as an active ingredient or precursor in the production of coronary vasodilators, antispasmodics, and neuromuscular blocking agents. Organic iodide by-products are also used in the synthesis of antibiotics and corticosteroids.

These by-products are essential in the agricultural sector as well. They are used to control pathogens, thus making the crops healthier. The element can be used to make iodophor formulations that are used to spray the crops. These formulations control fungal and bacterial diseases in the plants. Therefore, the crop yield will increase because there will be fewer diseases.

There are so many other uses of this element that you should know. The most important thing, however, is that you should understand how vital the non-metallic compound is to your body. Without this element, you will not be healthy because the deficiency will cause many health complications. Human health would be severely affected without iodine in the diet.




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