Iodine Disinfection in the Use of Individual Water Purification Devices

Soldiers deployed beyond traditional field drinking water supplies must have access to microbiologically safe water. Using Individual Water Purification Devices IWPDs is one way to provide microbiologically safe water in these situations. Such IWPDs must protect the Soldier from acute microbial health threats. Understanding 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. This 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 IWPDs using iodine to kill or inactivate disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoan cysts.