hello. putting together a medium sized first aide/survival kit for camping and overseas trips. one of the things i want to put in there is iodine for general antiseptic and, in a pinch, water purification (i have some iodine based pills too). i went around to a couple grocery stores and pharmacies, but i wasn't really sure what i was looking for. the most concentrated i've seen so far seems to be 2%, is this it? also, what is Povidone-Iodine, is this what i'm looking for? also, i've seen alot of warnings about ingesting iodine on the bottles, is this just in large quantities or even the small amount required to help purify drinking water? thanks for the info.<br><br>

Providone is simply iodine with a buffering agent to reduce the painfull stinging of topical applications.There are two percentage strengths.One is for surgical pre op scrubbing and the stronger for actual wound care.You can find these in larger quantities through equestrian or pet resources at much cheaper prices.The amounts needed for purification will not cause internal harm.A more usefull product, Potassium permanganate is harder to acquire(it has been the subject of past posts). I may be on to some veterinary sources and will post if successful .<br><br>

will this Potassium permanganate be useful as a topical antisceptic?<br><br>

yes,look at pastposts and doug's website for full info.<br><br>