Iodine and inorganic iodides

In 2015 the German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has evaluated iodine [CAS No. 7553‐56‐2] and inorganic iodides. Available publications are described in detail. There is no reproducible quantitative relation between iodine exposure, absorption and resulting body burden. The association between iodine absorption and the incidence of thyroid dysfunction seems to be U‐shaped. Therefore, no sharp boundary can be drawn between iodine oversupply and iodine deficiency relating to individual health. No harmless range could be indicated, so a BAT value (biological tolerance value) for iodine and inorganic iodides could not be derived. There are major regional differences due to different geological deposits of iodine, different concentrations of iodine in drinking water, iodine‐containing aerosols and nutritional habits. Furthermore, there is a high variability in the urinary analysis. Therefore, a BAR (“Biologischer Arbeitsstoff‐Referenzwert”) for iodine and inorganic iodides could not be derived.