Uses of Halogens

Halogens are found inside volcanoes and in the form of bromine, chlorine and iodine inside the fumaroles. Modern use of halogens is widespread. Chlorine is used in swimming pools and drinking water to clean them. They are also used in table salt and toothpaste. 

The halogens are also found in the human body and are considered essential for well-being. Halogens are commonly used in electrical and electronic products. They can be found, for example, on printed circuit boards, electrical parts such as plugs, ion batteries, electrical cables and plastic casings around televisions and mobile phones.

Halogens are used for several purposes. Before we know them all, we must also know why halogens are used.

Why are halogens used? 

The widespread use of halogens in electrical and electronic products can be ascribed to three factors: Its reliable performance, relatively lower cost, and the accessibility and abundance of the raw material. 

The outstanding feature of halogens is that they can also be used as fire retardants as some of the halogen-derived compounds provide incredibly high protection from heat, restricting burning due to fire.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most famous halogen-based compound and one of the most generally involved plastics in the gadgets business due to its fire, moisture and abrasion resistance. 

Halogen-based compounds are made for their ability to endure dangerous synthetic substances and solvents. 

The halogen-derived compound fluoroethylene propylene (FEP) is widely used to insulate cables due to its ability to withstand high temperatures. Chlorine can be used as fuel in the nuclear reactor to complete various activities. 

Below are some of the uses of halogen:

1. In the pulp and paper industry

Chlorine, an important halogen, is used in pulp and paper production, and it helps in bleaching the products. 

2. To make fire extinguishers

All halogen components, except astatine, are significant in manufacturing fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers that contain bromine are considered the best and recommended when a water extinguisher is absent.

3. To make plastics

This is one significant use of halogens. When a halogen component reacts with ethylene, it is used to manufacture plastic. 

4. For better dental health

Fluorine is an important component of toothpaste, which helps keep the teeth clean and healthy. Fluorine is also useful in fighting cavities.

5. To etch light bulbs’ glasses

Hydrofluoric acid is produced due to fluorine’s reaction with hydrogen, and this hydrofluoric acid is used to etch the glasses used to manufacture light bulbs. The etching with hydrofluoric acid helps to make the bulbs more durable.

6. As refrigerants in air condition and freezer

Chlorofluorocarbons contain chlorine, fluorine, carbon and hydrogen. It is the refrigerant widely used in all air conditioners and freezers.

7. As a bleaching agent in textile production

Bromine and chlorine are the two halogens that are used as bleaching agents during the manufacturing of textiles.

8. To manufacture photographic paper and plates

Potassium bromide is formed when bromine reacts with potassium, and it is used in the production of photographic paper and plates.

9. In the pharmaceutical industries

Halogens such as chlorine, fluorine, and iodine can be aggregated and used to identify potential drugs. They can also be used as a substitute in the clinic.

10. In producing thyroid hormones

Without iodine, the body’s thyroid would stop functioning properly, leading to hypothyroidism. Therefore, iodine is essential in the body and for better thyroid health.

11. To produce table salt

The important halogen, chlorine, when reacted with sodium, is used to produce table salt (NaCl). As we all know, salt is an essential part of our meals. Also, iodine is added to table salt for better thyroid health.

12. To treat thyroid cancer

Astatine is a rare halogen, and its functionality in the modern world is that it is used to treat thyroid cancer. Since this cancer is highly dangerous to the well being of humans, scientists have found its significance to humans.

13. To make synthetic pipe

When the halogen chlorine bonds with a polymer such as PVC, this can be used to make synthetic or artificial pipes used in water lines, sewage systems, etc.

14. To make insecticide sprays

Halogens are an important component of the insecticides sprays, which effectively kill the insects.

Conclusion

With the help of the above, we can identify the various uses of halogens in the real world apart from laboratory usage. The use of halogens is limitless in our surroundings, and they shouldn’t be regarded as non-essentials. Halogens are the group of elements that belong to Group 7. Group 7 contains fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine, which form a salt by direct association with a metal.