Used as an expectorant to help loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract in chronic lung conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Also employed in the protection of the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine exposure during nuclear emergencies. Commonly used in medical imaging to block uptake of radioactive isotopes by the thyroid when administering certain radiopharmaceuticals. Serves as a source of iodine in nutritional supplements and in the treatment of iodine deficiency. Widely used in laboratories as a reagent in redox titrations and for the detection of oxidizing agents due to its ability to form iodine when oxidized. Used in photography and in the preparation of silver iodide for cloud seeding. Also utilized in some disinfectants and antiseptics.