The elements Chlorine, Fluorine, Iodine, Bromine, and Astatine (the radioactive element) are known as Halogens. The chemical and physical properties of these elements have been studied very carefully. It is found that they showed a perfect gradation in physical properties, and they belong to group Vll in the periodic table.

Overview

• Chlorine plays an important role in human body functioning. It accounts for 0.15% percent of human body weight. The compounds that belong to Bromine and Chlorine are usually used in sterilisation as disinfectants. Moreover, small amounts of Halogen such as Iodine or Bromine are found in Halogen lamps.
• For proper functioning of the human body’s thyroid gland, Iodine is essential. Thyroid hormones will not produce if Iodine is not there. And this may lead to hypothyroidism.
• Fluoride is found in products such as toothpaste, baby formulas, vitamin supplements, and public water. But if Fluorine is overly consumed, it may be deadly.
• PolyHalogenated compounds (PHCs) bioaccumulate in human beings and are highly reactive. Few of the PHCs have carcinogenic and toxic properties. These are used in pest control services and manufactured products.
• Halogen atoms are mostly lipophilic and less water-soluble. Their penetration is improved through tissues and lipid membranes. Some Halogen drugs are also accumulated in adipose tissue.

Uses of Halogens

Halogens have different uses, for instance in water, chemical, sanitation, pharmaceutical, plastics, paper, pulp, military, textile as well as in oil industries. Chlorine, Fluorine, Bromine, and Iodine are known as chemical intermediates. These are used as disinfectants and bleaching agents. In the textile industries, Chlorine and Bromine are used for shrink-proofing wool and bleaching. A Brief Note on the uses of Halogens is given below:

Chlorine

Chlorine, along with Bromine, is used in shrink-proofing wool and bleaching. It is used as a disinfectant for water purification and drinking water treatment and is also used in swimming pools. During the manufacturing of special batteries and chlorinated hydrocarbons, Chlorine is used. Chlorine is also used to process vegetables, meat, fruit, and fish. Additionally, Fluorine can also act as a flame retardant. Chlorine dioxide is used in water for water taste and odour control. It is also a bleaching agent in leather, food, textile, paper, and pulp industries. Not only this, but it is also a bactericide, oxidising agent, and antiseptic.

Fluorine

Fluorine is used in converting uranium tetrafluoride to uranium hexafluoride. It is a toxic element. But despite its toxicity, it is found in everyday products that we use, for example, toothpaste, baby formulas, vitamin supplements, and public water. In many dental products, Fluorine is used to protect against tooth decay.

Iodine

It is a very important mineral for the human body. Thyroid hormones will not produce if Iodine is not there. And this may lead to hypothyroidism. Children with hypothyroidism may have a chance of mental retardation. On the other hand, women with hypothyroidism can suffer from miscarriages, infertility, and ovarian and breast cancer. Apart from this, Iodine is also found in salivary glands, breast tissue, and adrenal glands.

Bromine

Bromine is found in nature in the form of inorganic compounds, for instance, in seawater, minerals, and salt lakes. A very little amount of Bromine is also contained in vegetable tissues and animals. Bromine can be obtained from boreholes or salt lakes from seawater, and the remaining mother liquor from the treatment of potassium salts. It is a very high corrosive liquid, which vapours irritate highly to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Bromine is also used in shrink-proofing wool and for bleaching. It is used as a disinfectant for water purification and drinking water treatment and is also used in swimming pools.

Astatine

The 85th element in the periodic table representing the symbol ‘At’ is Astatine. It is heavier among all the other Halogens elements, as it is a radioactive element. It is also used for treating thyroid-related diseases. The chemical properties of Astatine are similar to that of the element of Iodine. Thyroid hormones will not produce if Iodine and Astatine are not there. And this may lead to hypothyroidism. Children with hypothyroidism may have a chance of mental retardation. On the other hand, women with hypothyroidism can suffer from miscarriages, infertility, and ovarian and breast cancer.

Conclusion

A Brief Note on the Uses of Halogens is discussed in this article. The elements Chlorine, Fluorine, Iodine, Bromine, and Astatine (the radioactive element) are known as Halogens. The uses of all the Halogens are different. Chlorine plays an important role in human body functioning, and Fluorine is found in everyday products that we use, such as toothpaste, baby formulas, vitamin supplements, and public water. Iodine and Astatine are important minerals for the human body. They are used for treating thyroid-related diseases. Bromine is used as a disinfectant for water purification and drinking water treatment and is also used in swimming pools.