Abstract
Contributions made by five groups of investigators to the knowledge of the stability of different iodine compounds in salt, and of the extent of the losses of iodine which may occur when iodized salt is exposed to different conditions of storage and use, are discussed by the author.
Stability of the iodine component in iodized salt is determined by: (1) moisture content of the salt and humidity of the atmosphere; (2) light, heat, and other meteorological factors; (3) impurities in the salt; (4) acidity or alkalinity of the mixture; and (5) the form in which iodine is present.
When potassium iodide or sodium iodide is used as the iodizing agent, the iodide content of the salt will remain constant and its distribution will remain uniform for many months if the salt is packed dry in a container with an impervious lining and kept dry, preferably in a cool place and away from strong light. When these conditions cannot be met, it is desirable to iodize salt with potassium iodate. Under adverse conditions of moisture, heat, and sunlight, the iodine content of salt iodized with potassium iodate remains relatively constant.
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