Bromine is a nonmetallic chemical element which bears the distinction of being the only nonmetallic element which is liquid at room temperature. It is highly toxic and extremely reactive, requiring extreme care when it is handled. Bromine is used in an assortment of industrial compounds and cleaners, and it is readily available from a number of sources. If you have a swimming pool or hot tub, you may already be familiar with bromine in the form of bromine tablets which are used to treat water.

The element is identified by the symbol Br on the periodic table of elements, and it has an atomic number of 35. The name “bromine” is derived from the Greek bromos, for “stench,” a reference to the characteristic sharp and unpleasant odor of bromine. It is classified among the halogen elements, which share the traits of extreme reactivity and the ability to produce salts when exposed to metals. In addition, all halogen elements are nonmetallic, and they exist in all three states of matter at or near room temperature.

Bromine itself is a heavy reddish brown liquid. It is very corrosive, making handling of bromine extremely inadvisable without protections, and it is also highly volatile. The vapor of bromine has a quite unpleasant smell, which also alerts people to dangerously high concentrations of bromine. Some chemists believe that it is difficult to be seriously injured by bromine because the smell will drive you out of the room before the element hurts you. It is still an excellent idea to cover your eyes, nose, and mouth when working with bromine, and gloves should always be worn as well.

The element was discovered in 1826 by Antoine Balard, who was exploring the contents of the water in sea marshes. In addition to discovering and naming bromine, Balard also worked on other elements, such as chlorine. By 1860, bromine was being manufactured on a large scale from seawater and deposits of salts. Brine wells continue to provide a major source of bromine, and the Dead Sea is another abundant source of the useful element.

In addition to being used in water purification, bromine is also used as an antiseptic agent and sanitizer. Photo chemicals also contain bromine, and it can be found in dyes, fumigants, and anti-knock mixtures for automotives. You may note that many of these compounds are considered toxic, and that their handling directions include protection of your eyes, airway, and skin.