10 Iron Uses in Everyday Life and in Human Body

Iron is a common metal known to man throughout history.

Its chemical symbol is “Fe” and is derived from its Latin name, Ferrum.

Iron as a metal is widely used for making tools, equipment, and weapons.

In its elemental and oxide forms, it finds diverse applications in life.

Major Uses of Iron include

1. In the body physiology
2. As a supplement in Medicine
3. In kitchen cookware
4. For home and other construction processes.
5. Plumbing (by galvanized steel pipes)
6. In Industry
7. Automobiles & Heavy machinery
8. In Agriculture.
9. Furnaces
10. Tools
11. Security systems and Fencing
12. In bridge construction.

In the body

• Iron is an important element needed for body physiology.

It is a part of the hemoglobin (HB) in the red blood cells of our body.

It is also present in the enzyme form in all plants and animals. The heme (iron) part of the pigment hemoglobin is important for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to different tissues.

Iron in the pigment binds reversibly to the oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues and cells.

But, if the iron levels fall down, there is insufficient oxygen supply, leading to hypochromic anemia.

So, during such conditions, physicians advise having high iron-content foodstuffs like green leafy vegetables.

Iron is present in many vegetables and a few types of cereals and grains.

As Iron supplement

Iron tablets are prescribed for iron deficiency blood conditions like anemia.

Due to inadequate food intake, menstruation, or pregnancy, one tends to fall short of this Heme.

The normal range of HB in men is 11 to 16g/dl. But when the levels go below these levels the condition is termed hypochromic anemia. Which means less colored (blood) anemia?

Iron formulations containing ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, etc are used.

For old people and children, it is given in liquid forms. For adults, it is given in tablet and capsule format.

The iron is taken up by the body to restore iron reserves in it.

In the Kitchen, as Cookware

Many cooking equipment and kitchenware are made of cast iron or stainless steel.

Cast iron is especially used to make stoves heated with coal or wood. It is also used to make frying pans.

Further, the spoons, forks, and plates are made of stainless steel.

The steel is also used to make the frame of stoves to give strength and an attractive bright appearance to the stoves.

This form of iron does not get rust but is also strong and durable

Home & construction materials

Iron is one of the most abundant elements on the earth, obtained by purification of the iron ore. So, it is widely used in all parts of the world for home and other construction purposes.

Besides, home and building constructions rely a lot on iron. It is used in foundations, roofs, and even pillars of the building and homes. It is used as iron long rods in combination with concrete and cement. Adding iron to the construction gives strength and durability to construction. Also, the presence of iron rods helps to bear intense weight.

Especially steel carbon can be used in making rooftops by an RCC mixture.

Plumbing

Pipes are used for the transport of water to different places. These pipes are made of iron for long life and stability of supply without chances of breakage.

Automobiles

Automobiles are built to a large extent with iron. Except for a few, wherein aluminum is used to give lightweight to the body.

But the main framework and other parts like pistons, wires, and wheel bearings are made of iron.

Grey cast iron makes engine piston cylinder cases, gearboxes, and other tools. While white cast iron is used to make bearings.

Again, here, iron is preferred for its toughness, ability to withstand a high engine temperature, etc.

In agriculture

Iron is a micro-nutrient in plants having a diverse role in their physiology. Iron deficiency leads to a few diseases. Hence, iron is used in agriculture to maintain the proper growth of plants. Iron concentration is critical for plants. Organic iron is the form by which it is absorbed from soil by plants.

Heavy machines

Heavy machines like cranes, road rollers, and bore machines are made of iron to a large extent. Even industry transfer chains, tumblers, and mixers are made of iron.

Its advantages, like being heavy and extremely hard at normal temperatures and resistance to wear and tear, make it ideal for hard tasks.

Also, the magnetic properties of iron make it useful for making electric mortars and fans that run on electricity.

Fencing

Fencing or boundary wire of farms and grounds are made of iron.

Compared to other metals, iron is cheaper and also more durable. It can withstand environmental wear and tear for a long duration.

Even minute fences, which can prevent insect entry into homes and buildings like mosquito mesh, are also made of iron (steel)

Furnaces

Furnaces are used to heat the substance to as high as even 1000 degrees centigrade temperature or more. Such furnaces are made of materials like cement beside iron.

Even the tools to operate in the furnace are made of iron. Using other metals is impossible due to their chances of melting at such high temperatures.

Tools

Most of the tools we use daily, like spanners, screwdrivers, compasses, etc., are made of iron. Even scientific machinery, research instruments, and thermostats use iron for making.

Security systems

Security systems like bank lockers, locks, keys, safes, and cupboards are made of iron.

This is due to the heaviness and the toughness of the metal.

Pipes

Another place where iron is largely used is pipes for the supply of water.

This can be from municipal storage to homes, from wells to farms, etc. Pipes made of iron are durable, and the chances of leaks due to small damage are very low.

They can tolerate harsh climatic conditions and oxidation. So, they can be of long-standing service if laid once.

Even gas cylinders used to deliver gas for medicine or natural cooking gas are made of iron.

In bridge construction

Many world’s famous bridges, like Brooklyn are built of iron to a large extent. The ductile strength and hardness of iron give them the strength to bear the heavy weight.

Without iron, it would have been difficult to build many big bridges, monuments (Eiffel Tower), and skyscraper buildings.

Besides this, iron is an essential element and is considered a micronutrient for plants and animals.

References:

• Ferrum Means Iron – Strong and Resilient