A new approach to combatting iodine deficiency in developing countries: The controlled release of iodine in water by a silicone elastomer

A. Fisch, E. Pichard, T. Prazuck, R. Sebbag, G. Torres, G. Gernez and M. Gentilini

American Journal of Public Health, 1993, vol. 83, issue 4, 540-545

Abstract: Objectives. Four hundred million people or more may be exposed to iodine deficiency worldwide, in developing countries in particular. Because of the practical problems with existing methods for the large-scale prevention of iodine deficiency, the authors developed a new approach to collective prophylaxis. Methods. This approach relies on the controlled diffusion of iodine into water from a silicone elastomer. Silicone matrices installed in a bore well released iodine at a rate sufficient to permit the daily per capita intake of at least 100 μg of iodine, the amount recommended by the World Health Organization. The matrices were tested over 1 year in a village in Mali, West Africa, an area in which goiter was highly endemic. The effects on the well water and population were compared with those of a placebo system in a control village. Results. An increase in urinary iodine levels was observed in the treated population, and after 12 months the incidence of goiter had fallen from 53.2% to 29.2%. Conclusions. This new concept, adaptable to all sources of water supply, may contribute to the eradication of iodine deficiency.

Date: 1993
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1993:83:4:540-545_4

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