Iodine Disinfection in the Use of Individual Water Purification Devices

Abstract

PURPOSEThis information paper provides an in-depth review of iodine as a disinfectant in potable water supplies. This paper is intended to assist the reader in evaluating the disinfection capabilities of Individual Water Purification Devices (IWPDs) using iodine to kill or inactivate disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoan cysts. REFERENCESAppendix A contains a list of references. INTRODUCTION BackgroundUnderstanding the disinfection capabilities of iodine to kill or inactivate disease-causing microorganisms is important in protecting Soldiers, who are considering using this technology, from acute health threats posed by these microorganisms. Soldiers deployed beyond traditional field drinking water supplies must have access to microbiologically safe water. Using IWPDs is one way to provide microbiologically safe water in these situations. These IWPDs must protect the Soldier from acute microbial health threats. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers (reference 1) provides performance standards by which an IWPD using iodine can be evaluated. The performance standards are a minimum 6-log reduction/inactivation of bacteria, 4-log reduction/inactivation of viruses, and 3-log reduction/inactivation of protozoan cysts (typically Giardia or Cryptosporidium). Iodine-using IWPDs meeting these standards are considered effective against disease causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoan cysts. Some IWPD manufacturers test their devices using this protocol. This is the best way to evaluate the IWPDs disinfection capabilities. In the absence of that testing data, this information paper can be used to gain an understanding of iodine disinfection capabilities and help determine if an IWPD using iodine could successfully meet the EPA Guide's minimum performance standards. GeneralIodine (I 2 ) has long been recognized for its anti-microbial properties. It has been used extensively in the health care industry as an antiseptic and disinfectant (references 2 and 3). The U.S. Army also realized the benefits of iodine as a drinking water disinfectant, issuing iodine- Report Documentation PageForm Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. REPORT DATE MAR 20062. REPORT TYPE Understa...