Quote: (Originally Posted by
Jeffrey C Gershen)
Betadine but use a 10% solution and really rinse it out well. It's nasty stuff if you inhale it. Betadine is used in hospitals, so should be available.
Just to be anal-retentive about chemical safety (its part of my job decription) Please follow the manufacturers guidelines and if you can get hold of the MSDS have a good read and follow any safety precautions. This goes for any cleaners for that matter.
some info for those considering or using betadine or similar products.
Betadine wipes for wounds etc is an iodine based product (10% solution with 1% available iodine). Occasional exposure to the skin can be tolerated well by most people. However that's not the case with concentrated solutions.
My experience in the lab is that a
concentrated iodine cleaner can be an irritant to the airways and eyes (especiallly when in confined spaces with surfaces are at 37C
). Also some people are allergic to iodine. Prolonged exposure can result in thyroid diseases, toxicity, cretinism of the newborn and occasionally death.
where is the :blah: smiley icon when i need it???
But with all the health stuff aside....We use it because it breaks down protein really well. But we have to follow with a thorough water rinse as it will pit the metal surfaces with prolonged contact. we don't use it on plastics because of the great staining properties it has.