Bromine - Br2
Bromine - Br2
This page brings together the main information on bromine (Br2) such as its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it (Br2 gas detector) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with type B anti-gas filter ).
Main characteristics of bromine (Br2)
Due to its disinfectant properties, bromine (Br2) is used in wastewater treatment plants as a substitute for chlorine to control bacteria. In agriculture, bromine is used in the manufacture of pesticides and fumigation agents. Bromine is mainly used in the pharmaceutical industry, as an ingredient in drugs used to treat pneumonia.
| CASE | VME (8 hours) | VLE (15 minutes) | RELATED | IP | Density / Air | Filter / ARI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7726-95-6 | 0.1 ppm | - | - | 10.55 eV | 5.0 | B |
Health effects of bromine
At room temperature, bromine is a reddish-brown liquid with a pungent odor at less than 1 ppm. When cold, it releases suffocating vapors that are highly toxic by inhalation (R26). Bromine is also a highly corrosive and toxic substance for aquatic organisms (R50), capable of causing serious chemical burns (R35). In contact with water, it forms hydrobromic acid, a highly corrosive substance.
Br2 (Brome) gas detectors
Despite its pungent odor, only a Br2 gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this gas. Two bromine detection technologies: either electrochemically with the PortaSens (recommended), or with a photoionization lamp, bromine having an ionizing power <10.6eV (non-discriminatory measurement).
Bromine (Br2) respiratory protection
Bromine is an eye irritant, so a full-face mask is recommended for short-term interventions or a more comfortable assisted ventilation device with type B gas filters. If concentrations exceed 60 times the OEL, a self-contained breathing apparatus will be essential.