Healthcare

Deionized Water, most commonly referred to as DI Water, is water that is treated through a process called deionization where additional ions from impurities are removed through filtration. In the healthcare industry, deionized water is essential for the safety, cleanliness and maintenance of medical devices. DI water is used to sterilize non-invasive medical equipment, like blood pressure monitors, stethoscopes and x-ray machines, through a process called pasteurization, where water is heated up to higher temperatures for an extended period of time to rid the equipment of excess bacteria. This process allows the equipment to be able to be reused over and over again.

Phenol, an organic compound also known as Carbolic Acid or Hydroxybenzene, is a hygroscopic (able to absorb moisture from the air) and light sensitive colorless liquid with a sweet odor. In the healthcare industry, phenol has multiple uses in a variety of treatments and procedures. One such treatment is for a condition known as muscle spasticity, where the brain does not properly communicate with the spinal cord and nerves. This causes muscle tightness and can even affect one’s ability to walk or talk. Parkinson’s Disease and cerebral palsy are conditions that can cause muscle spasticity. A phenol injection helps limit muscle contractions, which will allow easier movement. Phenol is also utilized as a preservative in a handful of vaccines, such as those for pneumonia, meningitis, typhoid fever, smallpox, and polio.

Lugol’s Iodine, also known as aqueous iodine, is a solution of potassium iodide with iodine and water. Common uses of Lugol’s iodine include treatment of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) by shrinking the thyroid glands and regulating thyroid hormone production; treatment of iodine deficiencies; protection of the thyroid from damage after exposure to radiation; and a wound disinfectant. For almost 200 years, Lugol’s Iodine has been used regularly in healthcare and first aid, and is considered an essential medicine by the World Health Organization.