water purification & thyroid problems

[NickC]

I have a Thyroid problem and have been trying to find a good way to get round the Iodine issue which all reliable systems seem to use.

I have just discovered from the nice people at Pre-Mac that they produce a Outlet Filter which removes the Iodine - However you do need to filter everything twice. I have purchase this filter and will be trying it out.

You need to contact Pre-Mac direct to purchase this filter as it dosnt seem to be advertised anywhere. 01732460333

Before anybody asks - I cant find any information on why Iodine is an issue with Thyroid problems? Everybody seems to know about it but nobody can provide any data.

Cheers

Nick

 

[MagiKelly]

MSR Waterworks should do the job for you. It does not use iodine so no worries there.

I use one and it is a good solid piece of kit that performs well.

 

[Wayland]

Don't know about the chemistry but I was told adding Vitamin C ( Ascorbic Acid ) after purification would neutralise the iodine.

Any chemists know about this ?

 

[Nemisis]

I found this link nick it might help explain http://www.lenntech.com/Periodic-chart-elements/I-en.htm
Dave

 

[anthonyyy]

Don't know about the chemistry but I was told adding Vitamin C ( Ascorbic Acid ) after purification would neutralise the iodine.

Any chemists know about this ?

I dont know for a fact but I think this is just to neutralise the TASTE. Best avoid iodine if it's medically advised.

 

[gregorach]

I've always read that cholrine-based purification is the way to go if you have thyroid problems.

The fundamental issue is that iodine regulates thyroid function - don't know much more than that though. Ask your doctor!

 

[Stuart]

be sure that you understand the difference between a water filter and a water purifier

water filters such as the MSR waterworks etc will not cause you any problems but will not remove the smaller micro organisms such as viruses.

water purifier will remove everything but finding one which does not incorporate iodine as its chemical element will be very difficult

 

[gregorach]

Chlorine tabs are not that hard to find...

http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/Lifesystems-Chlorine-Tablets.html

 

[stuart f]

Why not just filter then boil,works for me. When out biviing the last camp chore i do before turning in for the night is to boil water to purify, then just bottle it,and leave to cool overnight. job done.

 

[NickC]

Thanks everybody

Just a couple of points I am unsure of

If the Boiling point of Iodine is 184c then the water will evaporate before the Iodine has boiled making the Iodine dose stronger?

Isnt a Chlorine based systems less effective?

The advise I had from the Doctor was that I should avoid Iodine where possible - but it would be better to use it rather than nothing (in an emergency) as the consequences of drinking dirty water are far higher than the effect on my Thyroid.

Nick

 

[gregorach]

Boiling is an alternative to iodine - it's every bit as effective. You don't need to use both. As for the effectiveness of chlorine, I'm not entirely sure...

 

[anthonyyy]

Thanks everybody

Just a couple of points I am unsure of

If the Boiling point of Iodine is 184c then the water will evaporate before the Iodine has boiled making the Iodine dose stronger?

Isnt a Chlorine based systems less effective?

The advise I had from the Doctor was that I should avoid Iodine where possible - but it would be better to use it rather than nothing (in an emergency) as the consequences of drinking dirty water are far higher than the effect on my Thyroid.

Nick

If the Doctor says not to use iodine then don't use iodine!
Yes if you add iodine and then boil you will make the situation worse. But why would you want do this escapes me. Just boiling is enough.
Chlorine works just fine. Just follow the directions on the packet.

Your probably better off asking your doctor rather than people's opinion on the internet.

 

[Cyclingrelf]

Iodine is incorporated into the hormone thyroxine, which is made by the thyroid gland and helps regulate basal metabolic rate, heart rate, and the size of response to other hormones like adrenaline (amongst other things!). So, yes, do what your doctor advises!

Vitamin C does neutralise the taste of iodine, but doesn't remove it from the water.

I'd be quite happy to simply filter and boil water, provided I was sure it hadn't got chemical contaminants such as fertiliser runoff from farmland. In which case, I wouldn't drink it at all!!

Hope that's useful.

 

[jay120970]

use the milbank bag and get boiling
Number method one for clean safe water