Iodine

CAS ID#: 7553-56-2

Affected Organ Systems: Endocrine (Glands and Hormones)

Cancer Classification:  Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA with questions on cancer and cancer classification.

Chemical Classification: Inorganic substances, Metals/Elements (the simplest forms of matter), Radionuclides (radioactive materials)

Summary: Iodine is a naturally occurring element found in sea water and in certain rocks and sediments. There are non radioactive and radioactive forms of iodine. Iodine is used as a disinfectant for cleaning surfaces and storage containers and is used in skin soaps and bandages, and for purifying water. Iodine is also added to some table salt to ensure that all people in the United States have enough iodine in their diet. Most radioactive iodine is manmade. It is used in medical tests and to treat certain diseases. Most radioactive forms of iodine change very quickly (seconds to days) to stable elements that are not radioactive. However, 129I (read as iodine 129) changes very slowly (over millions of years).

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Community Members

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Public Health Statement - Summary about a hazardous substance taken from Chapter One of its respective ATSDR Toxicological Profile.

Toxicological and Health Professionals
Toxicological and Health Professionals

Toxicological Profile - Succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects information for a hazardous substance.

Priority List of Hazardous Substances - Prioritization of substances based on a combination of their frequency, toxicity, and potential for human exposure at National Priorities List (NPL) sites.

Page last reviewed: February 10, 2021