Bromine [Br, 35]

Bromine is a chemical element of the group 17 in the periodic table of elements. Bromine is a very volatile element and its salts are readily soluble and mobile in most environments. Bromine compounds are used for various purposes: in well-drilling fluids, film photography, flame-retardant compounds such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and as an intermediate in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Bromine concentration in air vary highly. Bromine metabolism in most living organisms is that of the bromide ion. Bromine crosses blood cell membranes in an electrically neutral form and is distributed widely into various tissues, and mainly into the extracellular fluid of the body. Bromine is used as an additive in the forms of K bromate and brominated vegetable oil. In citrus-flavored beverages, brominated vegetable oil keeps citrus flavors suspended throughout the fluid. Bromine disrupts the thyroid gland and interferes with the production of thyroid hormones.