Iodine-131 606 keV (89% abundance, others 248–807 keV) and 364 keV gamma rays (81% abundance, others 723 keV). Beta decay also produces an antineutrino, which carries off variable amounts of the beta decay energy. The electrons, due to their high mean energy (190 keV, with typical beta-decay spectra present) have a tissue penetration of . Iodine in food is absorbed by the body and preferentially concentrated in the thyroid where it is needed for the functioning of that gland. When I is present in high levels in the environment from radioactive fallout, it can be absorbed through contaminated food, and will
Tincture of iodine common concentration for sanitization is 25 ppm idophor for 1 minute. However, the effectiveness depends on whether the solution penetrates into rifts, and whether dirt is effectively removed at first. But, oocytes of protozoan parasites will not be killed, and it is also doubtful that bacterial spores are killed. Iodine solutions should not be considered able to sanitize or disinfect salad, fruit or vegetables that are contaminated by feces. Thus, it should not be considered safe to eat raw fruit, salads and vegetables which are sanitized with iodine, if they could be contaminated by feces. Iodine tincture is not a