Bromine is an element that is present in small amounts in living organisms, as well as in the earth’s crust. Bromine plays no role in life processes. However, it is said that in large amounts it is highly toxic and can cause many unpleasant consequences. Find out today what properties bromine has and what its use can be!
Bromine – properties
The properties of bromine are not very broad. It is mainly used to perform various chemical reactions. In nature, bromine often coexists with chlorine, so it also has similar properties to it. Too much can lead to serious poisoning. At room temperature, bromine is a volatile liquid with a very unpleasant odor. In terms of its properties, bromine also resembles mercury. All because it evaporates very quickly. When it comes to absorption into the body, in the case of bromine, it takes place through the digestive system, skin and lungs. Bromine salts are very often used as reagents in laboratory conditions.
Until the mid-nineteenth century, sodium bromide was also used in medicine as a sedative and antiepileptic drug. In addition, its properties are used in photography, as well as in the production of extinguishing agents. In the human body, the highest concentration of bromine is found in the pituitary gland. Bromine is a suffocating gas. Its boiling point is -67 degrees. It dissolves perfectly in water and then forms a strong hydrobromic acid. Bromine poisoning occurs in 1-10 percent of patients treated. All because the therapeutic dose of bromine is very close to the toxic dose, so the dosage must be extremely careful.
During poisoning, there may be reduced sensitivity to touch, apathy. Another characteristic symptom is unpleasant smell from the mouth. Too high a concentration of bromine increases the risk of DNA microdamage, which can be very dangerous. It can also lead to the onset of asthma. Long-term exposure to too high concentrations of bromine may, in turn, cause allergies, liver failure, and asthma. Bromine has the ability to combine with various elements. It reacts very easily with powdered metals and also with hydrogen. When it comes to food, we can find small amounts of bromine in vegetables, fruits and grain products. However, even their excessive consumption will not lead to poisoning.
Bromine – application
It is said that bromine in the form of potassium bromide was used in the army. Its task was to suppress the sexual tension in soldiers. Currently, this practice is being abandoned because bromine is considered a harmful substance that may do more harm than good. In humans, bromine accumulates mainly in the thyroid gland, so in some cases it can lead to iodine deficiency. Chronic poisoning with this element reduces the mental condition. An overdose of bromine can also lead to depressive states.
However, bromine – like any element – also has its uses. Bromine is used as an indicator of the condition of water. It is used for cleaning swimming pools, bathtubs and other water reservoirs. Effectively fights bacteria, viruses, fungi and other harmful impurities. Its strong point is that, unlike chlorine, bromine does not leave an unpleasant odor, which makes it a great alternative. In addition, the use of bromine is also possible in medicine. As a drug, it has many beneficial effects.
Appropriate doses of the administered drug facilitate breathing as they dilate the bronchial tubes. On an industrial scale, bromine is obtained from seawater. For this purpose, chlorine is used to oxidize the bromides to free bromine. There is another method of obtaining bromine. It is about electrolysis of a magnesium bromide solution. As you can see, bromine is an element that must be handled with extreme care. However, despite the unpleasant smell and the possibility of poisoning, bromine can be successfully used in medicine, as well as in many other areas.
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