| Toxicity Profile |
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| Route of Exposure | Oral (3) ; inhalation (3) ; dermal (3) |
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| Mechanism of Toxicity | Bromine is a powerful oxidizing agent and is able to release oxygen free radicals from the water in mucous membranes. These free radicals are also potent oxidizers and produce tissue damage. In additon, the formation of hydrobromic and bromic acids will result in secondary irritation. The bromide ion is also known to affect the central nervous system, causing bromism. This is believed to be a result of bromide ions substituting for chloride ions in the in actions of neurotransmitters and transport systems, thus affecting numerous synaptic processes. (3, 4, 1) |
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| Metabolism | Bromine is mainly absorbed via inhalation, but may also enter the body through dermal contact. Bromine salts can be ingested. Due to its reactivity, bromine quickly forms bromide and may be deposited in the tissues, displacing other halogens. (3) |
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| Toxicity Values | LD50: 1200 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (6)
LD50: 5250 mg/kg (Dermal, Rat) (6)
LD50: 443 mg/kg (Intraperitoneal, Mouse) (6)
LC50: 549 mg/m3 over 4 hours (Inhalation, Rat) (6) |
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| Lethal Dose | Not Available |
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| Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification) | No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC). |
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| Uses/Sources | It is used to separate mineral ores from its supporting rock by means of preferential flotation. Diatomic bromine does not occur naturally, but bromine salts can be found in crustal rock. |
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| Minimum Risk Level | Not Available |
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| Health Effects | Bromine vapour causes irritation and direct damage to the mucous membranes. Elemental bromine also burns the skin. The bromide ion is a central nervous system depressant and chronic exposure produces neuronal effects. This is called bromism and can result in central reactions reaching from somnolence to coma, cachexia, exicosis, loss of reflexes or pathologic reflexes, clonic seizures, tremor, ataxia, loss of neural sensitivity, paresis, papillar edema of the eyes, abnormal speech, cerebral edema, delirium, aggressiveness, and psychoses. (2, 3, 4) |
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| Symptoms | Bromine vapour causes irritation and direct damage to the mucous membranes. Symptoms include lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, eye irritation with mucous secretions from the oropharyngeal and upper airways, coughing, dyspnoea, choking, wheezing, epistaxis, and headache. The bromide ion is a central nervous system depressant producing ataxia, slurred speech, tremor, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, dizziness, visual disturbances, unsteadiness, headaches, impaired memory and concentration, disorientation and hallucinations. This is called bromism. (3, 4) |
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| Treatment | EYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water.
INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice.
SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention.
INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration. |
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