Bromine - Element information, properties and uses

Bromine is a naturally occurring element present in seas, lakes and underground wells. It is a colorless soluble crystalline mineral halide salt extracted from brine pools. Bromine is widely used as a reactant and a catalyst in the manufacturing of multifarious products namely, biocides, water disinfectants, dyes, flame retardants etc. The primary source of bromine is dead-sea. Bromine is a chemical element that exits in the form of a red liquid in room temperature. It is the third largest, halogen bearing element with a position within the seven elements of the periodic table. It evaporates quickly and generates suffocating brown fumes in that process. Bromine has a bad odor and it can easily turn into metal at extremely high pressure.

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Top Companies: Chemtura , Dhruv Chem Industries, Gulf Resources ,  Hindustan Salts, Israel Chemical, Jordan Bromine Company, Morre-Tec Industries, Tata Chemicals, Tetra Technologies, Tosoh

There is a rise in demand for brominated flame retardants because of its applications in consumer electronics such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, etc. This, in turn, has driven the growth of the bromine market. The use of bromine as a drilling liquid in the oil and gas industry and mercury emission mitigation also act as drivers in fuelling the development of the market. However, bromine as a flame retardant is toxic, so the rising environmental concern retrains the growth of the bromine market. Application of bromine in the water treatment process and flow batteries is anticipated to bolster the growth of the bromine market in the years to come.

Bromine is a naturally occurring element that can be found in many inorganic substances. Humans however, have many years ago started the introduction of organic bromines in the environment. These are all compounds that are not natural and can cause serious harm to human health and the environment.

Environmental effects of bromine

Organic bromines are often applied as protecting agents, due to their damaging effects on microorganisms. When they are applied in greenhouses and on farmland they can easily rinse off to surface water, which has very negative health effects on daphnia, fishes, lobsters and algae.Organic bromines are also damaging to mammals, especially when they accumulate in the bodies of their preys. The most important effects on animals are nerve damage and next to that DNA damage, which can also enhance the chances of development of cancer. The uptake of organic bromine takes place through food, through breathing and through the skin. Organic bromines are not very biodegradable; when they are decomposed inorganic bromines will consist. These can damage the nerve system when high doses are absorbed.

 Health effects of bromine

Bromine is corrosive to human tissue in a liquid state and its vapors irritate eyes and throat. Bromine vapors are very toxic with inhalation. Humans can absorb organic bromines through the skin, with food and during breathing. Organic bromines are widely used as sprays to kill insects and other unwanted pests. But they are not only poisonous to the animals that they are used against, but also to larger animals. In many cases they are poisonous to humans, too. The most important health effects that can be caused by bromine-containing organic contaminants are malfunctioning of the nervous system and disturbances in genetic materials. But organic bromines can also cause damage to organs such as liver, kidneys, lungs and milt and they can cause stomach and gastrointestinal malfunctioning. Some forms of organic bromines, such as ethylene bromine, can even cause cancer.                                         Download PDF Information