I just wondered why I am the only one using Iodine tablets, and a neutralizer tablet? Most discussions center around Aqua Mira-chlorine type treatments. Am I out of date or missing something? (Yes I did a "search")
The main reason I have switched from iodine tabs to chlorine tabs is the way they are packaged. I prefer the individual foil wrapping for the chlorine tabs, as they pack a bit better than the bottle that the iodine tabs come in. Also when using the iodine tabs I found it more difficult to get the correct number of tabs out of the bottle and into my water.
Registered: 09/06/04
Posts: 275
Loc: Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
I just like the taste of the water with Katadryn tablets. And maybe the clorine dioxide tablets last a little longer than the iodine tablets - although the Katadryn pack I bought two years ago is disintegrating now - most of the tablets are powder.
I don't go ultralight so I use a katadyn water filter/pump. This takes care of everything without the bad taste or staining of tablets. Iodine doesn't take care of some tapeworms. Don't know about chlorine tabs.
Registered: 07/31/08
Posts: 94
Loc: Michigan, just N of detroit
If you read the package of iodine tabs on say potable aqua for instance it says not known to deactivate Cryptosporidium, translated it will not kill unhatched eggs iodine cannot penetrate the shell, I hope this is helpful.
The only advantage I see in iodine is cost. I really don't like the taste. The neutralizer adds one more step and I like to keep things simple. Iodine tabs stained one of my bladders once.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
I'd like to caution against using iodine for water disinfection except for dire emergencies.
First, iodine is contraindicated for pregnant women and for children, which should tell you it's not harmless. It's also contraindicated for those with thyroid problems (which often are undiagnosed).
Second, as mentioned, iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium (cysts, not eggs).
Third, a surprising number of people are allergic to iodine. I found this out after I had a severe reaction after only a month of using iodine to disinfect drinking water on weekend hikes. I developed a severe rash with deep lesions (lichen planus) which took months to heal and left permanent scars. This happened over 20 years ago. I still am so sensitive to it that one dish prepared with iodized salt or one serving of seafood is sufficient to make me break out. This is not trivial--most restaurants use iodized salt and I cannot accept an invitation to someone's house for dinner without asking that my food be specially prepared with non-iodized salt. Should I ever have to have a diagnostic procedure such as an angiogram that uses radioactive iodine--well, that's just too bad, I'll just have to drop dead from the undiagnosed ailment.
With chlorine dioxide and many varieties of filters available, there is no reason for anyone to use iodine. The risks are not worth it!
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
I've used iodine, pumps/filters, and Aqua Mira. I like Aqua Mira the best because it is easy. When taking a group, I never have to worry if someone will start to freak out because of iodine. As nice as they are (and I still use them when my wife is with me), pumps & filters will fail. It is an easy solution.
I don't recall anyone mentioning this, but long term use of iodine (think thru hike) could do some damage to your body... even if you are not allergic to it.
Edited by jpanderson80 (03/06/0911:53 AM)
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I always forget and make it more complicated than it needs to be...it's just walking.
Registered: 03/17/07
Posts: 374
Loc: Fredericksburg, VA
jpanderson, I'm a steadfast Aqua Mira user!
My sister really likes the filters, though. So, I bought her a filter as a gift and when we hike together I happily let her pump away while I play on the rocks and look for salamanders.
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Why am I online instead of hiking?
OM, I filter all my water eventhough I may end up boiling it. I've never used tablets of any kind. I've read that using regular bleach at 4 drops per quart will purify water. I haven't done this either. Is this a good practice and what will it taste like. I was thinking of using the bleach drops and then filtering the water.
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