Inhalation of the vapour will irritate the mucous membranes with coughing and shortness of breath. Ingestion of the liquid will cause localised burning and severe irritation. Skin contact may cause dermatitis. It is an eye irritant. It can cause kidney damage and can be absorbed through the skin in doses large enough to cause toxicity.
Inhalation can cause erosion of the respiratory tract.
Over-exposure to iodine vapour can be fatal. This is a very dangerous substance and should be handled with extreme care. Vapours are heavier than air and can travel along the ground for a considerable distance, to a source of ignition and flash back. It is a severe eye, skin and mucous membrane irritant and a central nervous system depressant. Death may occur from respiratory paralysis.