#I September 10

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For the month of September 2024 several of us are going to take on the 30-Day Periodic Elements Coach4aday Challenge. The concept is to show the symbol of one of the 118 elements and give a few facts about it. Today I have chosen I

I is the symbol for Iodine.

30-Day Challenge Guidelines

Like previous challenges there are no hard and fast rules to participate. There are a few suggested guidelines.

1. Each day in September 2024 show the symbol for one particular element.
2. Share at least one fact about that element
3. If so inclined use the hash tag #Coach4adayChallenge on social media platforms

September 10th-I

Here are some facts about Iodine.

Essential for Thyroid Function: Iodine is a critical nutrient for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. A lack of iodine in the diet can lead to thyroid-related health issues like goiter (thyroid enlargement) and hypothyroidism. Iodine is commonly added to table salt (iodized salt) to prevent deficiencies in populations.

Used as a Disinfectant: Iodine has strong antimicrobial properties and is used as a disinfectant to clean wounds and prevent infections. Solutions like povidone-iodine are commonly used in medical settings for sterilizing skin before surgery and treating minor cuts and abrasions.

Rare but Important Element: Iodine is relatively rare in the Earth’s crust, but it is found in seawater and certain minerals. Its scarcity on land led to historical iodine deficiencies in inland regions. However, it plays an essential role in human health and is naturally concentrated in seaweed and marine life, which are good dietary sources of iodine.