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Safety Hazards of Bromine

Bromine is a volatile liquid that possesses a very strong, suffocating odor. It is reddish-brown in appearance and highly corrosive, capable of dissolving both metals and nonmetals. Because it is an oxidizer, it can also react with inorganic material such as sawdust, creating extreme heat and possibly fire. When exposed to sunlight and humid air or hot water, bromine can react to form hydrobromic acid, which is not as toxic as bromine but retains its irritant properties. It is imperative that the proper protective clothing always be worn when handling bromine.

  1. Skin Hazards

    • Bromine, both as a liquid and a vapor, is highly irritating when it comes in contact with the skin. Bromine is separate from other chemicals in that it often causes no immediate symptoms when it contacts the skin. Because it sometimes has no immediate effect, the wounds can be more severe due to delayed treatment. When symptoms of contact do appear, they are in the form of ulcers, blisters and/or a brown discoloration of the flesh. On rare occasions, papules and pustules appear. After exposure, remove all clothing that may have come into contact with the bromine. Wash the skin for approximately 20 minutes. Watch for symptoms to appear for at least one day after exposure, and seek treatment accordingly.

    Eye Hazards

    • Lower exposures to bromine vapor can cause irritation and severe pain in the eyes as well. A mild case may only result in irritation and an abnormally high production of tears. More severe cases can result in over-sensitivity to light. After contact, the eyes should be flushed for approximately 15 minutes with large amounts of tepid water.

    Respiratory Hazards

    • Bromine vapor, which can be released into the air from bromine water solutions, is hazardous if inhaled. It can cause a wide range of problems in the respiratory tract, everything from coughing and wheezing, to more serious damage such as pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema. Severe cases of bromine inhalation may also cause hypoxemia, or a lack of oxygen in the blood, metabolic acidosis and eventual death. Similar to exposure to the skin, respiratory problems may be delayed after the initial contact. If bromine vapor is inhaled, seek medical care immediately.

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