Potable Aqua Germicidal Water Purification Tablets 50 tabs.
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Potable Aqua Germicidal Water Purification Tablets 50 tabs.

Item# wa33
$10.99
$12.99

Product Description

Germicidal tablets for water purification. 50 tablets POTABLE AQUAŽ Drinking Water Germicidal Tablets are intended for emergency disinfection of drinking water. When used as directed, they make most water bacteriologically suitable for drinking. Used worldwide by campers, hikers, militaries, emergency organizations and anyone needing to drink water of questionable bacteriological quality. POTABLE AQUAŽ is for use only when drinking water is suspected or known to be bacteriologically substandard. Not to be used on a continuous basis. For short term or limited emergency use only.

To purify, use two tablets per quart of water.

WHAT IS POTABLE AQUA?

Potable AquaŽ Drinking Water Germicidal Tablets make water bacteriologically suitable for drinking. They contain iodine in a proprietary compound called TGHP (Tetraglycine Hydroperiodide). Each tablet contains 20 milligrams of TGHP, which liberates 8 milligrams (ppm) of titratable iodine. As indicated by label directions, the recommended dosage of Potable Aqua is two tablets in one liter or quart of water. When the tablet dissolves in water, it releases both free iodine and hypoiodous acid. Both are effective germicidal compounds. Potable Aqua tablets also contain a buffering agent that brings the pH of the water to a slightly acidic level to optimize the disinfecting properties of the iodine.

HOW DOES POTABLE AQUA WORK?

Each Potable Aqua tablet contains 20 milligrams of Tetraglycine Hydroperiodide (TGHP), which liberates 8 milligrams (ppm) of titratable iodine. Dissolving Potable Aqua tablets in water releases the iodine bound in the TGHP molecule.

When dissolved, both diatomic iodine ((I2) and hypoiodous acid (HIO) are released. Because the tablets contain a buffer, the treated water is maintained at acidic conditions with an approximate pH level of 5.5. Diatomic iodine is more abundant than hypoiodous acid. This mixture provides adequate disinfection of most waters.

Chemical reaction rates, and consequently germicidal effects, are subject to variables such as water temperature and level of contamination in the water. For this reason, two tablets of Potable Aqua and a 30-minute waiting period are required before drinking the water. The iodine works by penetrating the cell wall of the microorganism, therefore rendering it inactive.

HOW LONG MAY I USE POTABLE AQUA?

Potable Aqua tablets are to be used as a short-term, emergency treatment for disinfecting drinking water. Potable Aqua should not be used on a long-term, continuous basis.

According to label directions, the recommended dosage of Potable Aqua is two tablets in one liter or quart of water. This dosage is equivalent to 16 ppm of elemental iodine in the water. Since this product is intended for use in emergency situations, extended daily use should be kept to a limited basis and not exceed six weeks.

HOW DO I USE POTABLE AQUA TABLETS?

Potable Aqua tablets are dissolved in water to form a solution for consumption. Add two tablets to one quart or liter of water. Cap loosely to allow slight leakage and wait five minutes. Shake the container briskly so that a small amount of water seeps out to rinse the screw threads. This will help to disinfect the lip of the container, which may have come into contact with untreated water. Tighten the cap and wait 30 minutes before drinking.

WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF POTABLE AQUA TABLETS?

Unopened bottles of Potable Aqua tablets, when maintained under controlled temperatures between 60 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C), should remain effective up to four years. Exposure to heat, humidity, moisture, and air will reduce the effectiveness of the tablets. We recommend that an opened bottle not be kept for more than one year. Keep the cap tightly sealed.

Although this product is not required to have expiration dating, an explanation of the lot numbering system is provided for your convenience. This lot number is imprinted on the label of the bottle. Example:

403127 This means the product was manufactured the 4th month in the 2003 and was the 127th batch of product made. Under normal storage conditions, this product would be effective for at least four years for an unopened bottle and one year for an opened bottle.

If in the field, check the tablets appearance to determine if they are still effective. If the tablets are gray or dark brown in color, they are still likely to be effective. If they are light green or yellow, it means they are probably no longer effective. The tablets are very sensitive to moisture. Take care that moisture does not get inside the Potable Aqua bottle.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING POTABLE AQUA TABLETS?

Potable Aqua has long been considered one of the best germicidal tablets for drinking water on the market. Potable Aqua was developed by the U.S. Military during World War II and is still used by the military today. The Australian Military and The Boy Scouts of America also use it, along with various relief organizations, mission groups and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the world.

Potable Aqua provides an accurate dose, and is effective over extreme conditions such as cloudy water, low temperatures, and extreme pH. It is simple to use, foolproof, and time-efficient. It does not require mixing two parts together, or a waiting period for it to activate before it can be used. Usage is time efficient, and the water is ready to drink in 30 minutes. It does not neutralize or remove chemical contaminants or remove particulate. Potable Aqua may be used in conjunction with a water filter. It is effective against bacteria, viruses, and many cysts such as giardia lamblia. Potable Aqua is not effective against cryptosporidium cysts.

While the iodine may impart a "taste" to the water, this is easily resolved by using PA Plus after the 30-minute disinfection period. PA Plus takes away the taste and odor of the iodine by converting it to colorless and odorless iodide. Iodine is a convenient and effective water purifier.

CAN POTABLE AQUA TABLETS BE REPACKAGED IN A DIFFERENT CONTAINER?

We do not recommend that Potable Aqua tablets be repackaged into any other container. Potable Aqua tablets are manufactured under highly controlled temperature and humidity conditions that minimize exposure to the atmosphere. The tablets are very hygroscopic (i.e. have the ability to attract moisture), which causes them to degrade quickly if exposed to moisture or high humidity.

Potable Aqua is manufactured to strict specifications, and is tested to assure it meets those requirements throughout the manufacturing and packaging process. Even the wadding inside the bottle (which prevents the tablets from getting crushed or crumbling) is a special moisture resistant material. Once a tablet is handled or is outside of its original container, we can no longer guarantee that it will maintain its effectiveness.

WHAT IS PA PLUS AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

PA Plus is an ascorbic acid tablet, which removes the taste and odor of iodine after the water is treated with Potable Aqua. The ascorbic acid acts as a reducing agent, converting the iodine to iodide, which has little or no germicidal properties. The iodine is still present, but in a different chemical form which neutralizes the iodine taste and odor. PA Plus should be used AFTER the 30-minute waiting period for Potable Aqua. After using PA Plus, the water does not have any residual ability to kill germs, so take care not to re-contaminate the water. PA Plus tablets disintegrate rapidly and remove the iodine taste and color within three minutes. Each tablet contains approximately 45 milligrams of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). One tablet will easily neutralize two tablets of Potable Aqua.

CAN POTABLE AQUA TABLETS BE EATEN?

Potable Aqua is for use only according to label directions. The tablets are not meant to be ingested or taken whole without being diluted in water. Using this product in a manner other than what it is labeled for is a violation of federal law. Potable Aqua is intended only for the emergency disinfection of water and should not be used in any other way.

IS IODINE SAFE FOR USE IN DRINKING WATER?

Iodine is an essential element in our diet and is required for proper thyroid function. Too much or too little iodine exposure can affect thyroid function. (Iodine was first documented as a remedy for goiter in 1860. Goiter is a thyroid disorder caused by too little iodine in the diet). In many countries, iodine is added to table salt to insure adequate amounts of dietary iodine.

Iodine is used in various forms as an antiseptic for skin wounds and mucous surfaces of the body. It also is used for sterilization of the air and of inanimate objects such as surgical instruments. It is a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi, and for the disinfection of drinking and swimming pool water, and for the sanitation of eating utensils.

There is always a risk/benefit decision to be made when using any chemical, and the risk of contracting a disease from water of unknown bacteriological content is significant. Based on Pharmacal's 25 years of experience marketing Potable Aqua, there should not be cause for concern in any healthy individual when it is used in accordance to label directions in a short term situation of six weeks or less. Of course, individuals may be more or less sensitive to certain chemicals, and thus may react differently. Consult your physician for more information.

WILL IODINE AFFECT MY THYROID FUNCTION?

Iodine and thyroid function have been extensively researched by the medical community. Short-term increases or decreases in dietary intake of iodine are accommodated by the normal thyroid gland, and iodine is rapidly metabolized and cleared from the body. Potable Aqua is well-tolerated by individuals with normal thyroid function for use in short-term emergency situations of six weeks or less. Individuals with thyroid problems or pregnant women should consult a physician before using iodine-based products.

CAN I TAKE POTABLE AQUA TABLETS WHILE I'M PREGNANT?

Iodine is an essential element in our diet and is required for proper thyroid function. Too much or too little iodine exposure can affect thyroid function. (Iodine was first documented as a remedy for goiter in 1860. Goiter is a thyroid disorder caused by too little iodine in the diet.) In many countries, iodine is added to table salt to insure adequate amounts of dietary iodine. Iodine is required for the healthy development of the fetus.

Using Potable Aqua as directed on the label for short-term emergency drinking water disinfection is not likely to be deleterious to women or the fetus, but it is recommended that women check with their doctors before using Potable Aqua tablets during pregnancy.

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