ABSTRACT
Iodine is deeply rooted in our everyday life. Products containing iodine atoms or molecules demonstrate properties such as "blocks X-rays, shows high reactivity, forms various compounds with most other elements, and provides strong anti-bacterial effect". These superior functions are seen in many areas in our daily life. The specific capacity of iodine to absorb X-rays is used in contrast agents for X-rays. It is used in hospitals to create detailed images of the brain and heart. Iodine is also used to control light. Iodine is one of the five halogen elements listed on the periodic table, and is located next to the noble gases. Iodine is highly soluble in organic solvents. Iodine has been produced up to now by various methods using seaweed, oil brine, and natural gas brine as raw materials. In Japan, iodine is produced from underground brine and is drawn up along with natural gas.
