Bromine - Br2
Find here the essential information on bromine (Br2): characteristics, effects on health, detection devices and systems - bromine gas detector - and proper respiratory protective equipment (gas mask or PAPR with B gas filter).
Bromine (Br2) properties
Because of its disinfectant properties, bromine (Br2) is used in wastewater treatment plants to replace chlorine for bacteria management. Bromine is also used in agriculture for producing pesticides and fumigation agents. But bromine is above all exploited in the pharmaceutical industry as a medicine ingredient against pneumonia.
CAS | TWA (8 hours) | STEL (15 minutes) | LEL | IP | Density / Air | Filter / SCBA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7726-95-6 | 0.1 ppm | - | - | 10.55 eV | 5.0 | B |
Bromine effects on health
At ambient temperature, bromine is liquid with a brown-reddish taint and a pungent smell detectable under 1 ppm. When cold, it releases highly toxic suffocating vapors by inhalation (R26). Bromine is also very corrosive and toxic to aquatic organisms (R50) and can cause severe chemical burns (R35). When in contact with water, it forms hydrobromic acid, a very corrosive substance.
Bromine effects on health (Br2)
Bromine gas detector (Br2)
Despite its pungent smell, only a bromine gas detector can accurately measure concentrations of this gas. Two Br2 detection technologies are available to monitor bromine hazards: either electrochemical with the PortaSens (recommended), or with a photo - ionization lamp – as bromine features an ionization capability under 10.6 eV.
Br2 respiratory protection (Bromine)
Bromine irritates the eyes, so a full face mask is recommended for short interventions or a more comfortable powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) with type B gas filters. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is imperative when concentrations exceed 60 times the TLV.