Another source for vials, containers and all sorts of other stuff is here:

American Science Surplus

~Sarah

Will the iodine react with plastic as well? I have been looking for small vials for exactly this purpose.
Thanks.

With most plastics, yes. But iodine leaves Teflon alone.

The site in the original post doesn't say specifically that the cap is teflon lined. Has anyone received theirs yet so we can verify this. If so, is anyone interested in splitting an order. They're dirt cheap, but I don't think I could ever use 10 of them.

I am a long time user of Iodine on bush trips (could explain a lot haha).

The way I figure it there are distinct advantages and disadvantages of both iodine and micropur.

Iodine:

Pros
Quick acting 15 mins
effective and proven
Fit more in smaller space than micropur once properly repackaged
Can be used to disinfect wounds in concentration

Cons
Reactive to everything virtuallly
Poor shelf life
Short term useage only
Plays havoc with thyroid in some
aftertaste (solved with drink crystals or vit C tabs not always practical)
repackaging (thanks for the vial link <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />)

Micropur:

Pros
individually packaged (more bulky tab for tab though Hint* crush the tab inside the package for a flatter profile in the altoids tin <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Cut off as much extra packaging as possible.
Long term useage
Chlorine less harmfull internally
longer shelf life
less reactive
better taste
no thyroid issues

Cons
4 hr wait time (sometimes you need to drink now!)
bulkier packageing less space for tabs in altoids kit.
Not as proven as iodine IMHO
Reactive to UV light, renders it inactive
more expensive if thats an issue
not dual useage for wounds like iodine (stings like a mother)

Conclusion:
This leaves me to wondering if one can mix the 2 tabs in a vial so you can have the best of both worlds? I doubt it as iodine would ruin the chlorine tabs more than likely.
I wish someone would come up with individually packaged iodine tabs a la micro pur so you can mix and match them for quick drinking and longer purification taste preference.

I will continue to use both depending on situation. For EDC however the drink now option is high on my list so repackaged iodine for the EDC tin is my preference today.

Don't forget to rotate the iodine every year as they spoil <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.

Question for the gang?

Has anyone thought of repackaging the aqua mira drops liquid for Altoids EDC. There is 2 different chemicals for mixing. I think the amount of drops might make it too bulky but not sure?

Flip

I avoid iodine for health reasons so I use the mp1 tabs with a non-chemical 20oz water bottle filter when space permits carrying the bottle. That takes the wait time from 4 hrs to 15min (though I give it 30min to be safe). When space does not permit (like with my normal EDC) I have to wait the 4 hours. However in a situation where dehydration within 4 hours is even a remote possibility, this is a non-issue because I would simply use the MP1 tabs and be drinking in 15-30 minutes. If you read Dougs extensive write-up on this you'll find that this is not such a bad plan. I'll take the slim chance of diarrhea over dehydration and certain death any day if given only those two options. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I just emailed these guys about these vials. Here is the response I got:

The lids we use have a mylar liner. Teflon may be available but you would need to order several hundred vials for us to get them.
Thanks
John


For those of you who have been using these, have you noticed any reaction with the iodine? Can teflon paint be obtained to make these more suitable? Thanks.

I just received mine so I have not had a chance to see any reaction. I am going to assume that they will corrode unless sealed. I sealed up the lid with a couple of wraps of teflon tape-that white stuff they use to seal water pipe. It is available in any hardware section of K-Mart, Walmart, etc.
I am not sure about teflon paint. We use another liquid threadsealer called "Liquid Teflon". It is a loctite product # 56747. You might be able to smear it on the inside of the cap in the same way you could daub paint, but I'd be worried that it might be toxic.
Give the teflon tape a try. I have one vial that had been sealed up with it for about a year with no visible corrosion. It's cheap too-about .89 for a 25 foot roll.
Regards, Vince

I have been using the vials (glass and plastic) with great succes with just about everything under the sun except iodine. Iodine is nasty stuff. It's a very outdated method of water purification that was designed at a time when medical/chemical science was nowhere near where it is today. We know a lot now about the negative long term effects of iodine on the thyroid gland as well as other things these days. If you read Doug's write-up you'll find that he does not even recommend it anymore. My doctor tells me to stay clear of ingesting anything with iodine in it and he gave me a whole list of reasons why. It's really nothing short of a slow poison. Just a little FYI to try to keep you safe and healthy. The MP1 tabs are not much different than the way urban treatment facilities treat water (if I am remembering correctly). Please also be aware that anyone (such as a wife or daughter since its more common in women) with any type of thyroid problems should absolutely stay away from iodine tabs without actually showing them to their doctor! They could very well kill them and I don't mean the slow way either! I'm not saying that MP1 tabs are great for you but they are far better than Iodine. And of course there is always the oldest method..... boiling.

I confirmed with Exploration Products ( http://www.epcamps.com/ " target="_blank"> http://www.epcamps.com/ </a> ) that the Teflon-liner glass vials are still available that Doug mentions at http://www.equipped.org/parepack.htm " target="_blank"> http://www.equipped.org/parepack.htm </a>. They are not listed in their online catalog, but just write what you want on the fax order form and they'll add it to the total.

Steve