Bromides are compounds containing bromine in oxidation state -1, including hydrogen bromide, ammonium bromide, metal bromides, and non-metal bromides. These compounds have properties between chlorides and iodides, with bromide ions being a good reducing agent and forming complexes with stability between iodine and chlorine complexes. Most bromides are easily soluble in water, but bromides of copper (I), silver (I), mercury (I), and lead (II) are more difficult to dissolve. In clinical practice, bromide usually refers to potassium bromide, sodium bromide, and ammonium bromide, commonly known as "tribromide", used to enhance the inhibitory process of the cerebral cortex, adjust the balance between excitation and inhibition processes, and produce sedative effects. In addition, silver bromide is used for photographic film and photosensitive paper, and copper bromide can be used as a brominating agent in organic synthesis.
The hazards of bromide to the human body include:
Corrosion of skin and mucous membranes: Bromide is a toxic substance mainly used for bleaching and disinfection, which can cause strong irritation and corrosion to the skin and mucous membranes. People with a history of allergies may experience symptoms of skin itching. High concentrations of bromide can burn the skin, even causing ulcers, and irritate the nasal and eye mucosa, leading to symptoms such as tears and eye pain.
Stimulating the central nervous system: Excessive use of bromides can cause acute poisoning and stimulate the central nervous system to a certain extent, leading to overexcitement or inhibition of the central nervous system, resulting in mental confusion, memory decline, accompanied by symptoms such as headache, insomnia, drowsiness, mania, dizziness, hallucinations, abnormal excitement, ataxia, and gait instability.
Stimulating the digestive system: Accidentally taking bromides may also cause certain irritation to the digestive system, leading to damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, which in turn can cause nausea, vomiting, as well as symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools.
Other effects: After entering the human body, bromides can also cause certain damage to multiple systems such as the respiratory system, rheumatism, and immune system, leading to symptoms such as coughing, joint pain, and muscle pain.
In order to reduce the harm of bromides to the human body, it is recommended that people engaged in related work wear chemical safety goggles and rubber gloves, wear work clothes made of anti-corrosion materials, take a shower and change clothes after work is completed, and store clothes contaminated with bromides separately.
