Iodine can be an effective agent for disinfecting water contaminated with bacteria, viruses and protozoa. However, some patients may experience problems if iodine exposure occurs over a long period of time.
People at risk for prolonged exposure to iodine:
(1) pregnant women
(2) history of iodine hypersensitivity
(3) history of thyroid disease
(4) family history of thyroiditis or other thyroid disease
(5) chronic iodine deficiency
Someone who expects to have significant exposure to iodine should have thyroid function testing performed to confirm euthyroid status. The person should be screened for thyroid disease every 6 to 12 months.
A high intake of iodine (16 to 32 mg per day) should be limited to 4 weeks or less.
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