BSEF Information

BSEF (The International Bromine Council) is the voice of the bromine industry. We foster technologies and innovation for the changing needs of society globally. We are the international bromine production organisation. Since 1997 we have been working to foster knowledge on the uses and benefits of bromine-based solutions. We believe in science and innovation and it is through investments in research that we harness the need for robust bromine-based technologies. Our members are Albemarle Corporation, ICL Industrial Products, Chemtura and Tosoh Corporation. We commission scientific institutes and independent scientists to evaluate and carry out innovative research on bromine-based solutions while also informing stakeholders on the uses and benefits of bromine-based technologies. HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT BROMINE? Bromine is one element of the periodic table, its chemical symbol is Br. It is a reddish-brown liquid and is never naturally found in its elemental form but rather in inorganic compounds, also known as bromides, and in natural organo-bromine compounds. These are found in soils, salts, air, seawater and in living organisms. Around 500,000 tons of bromine are estimated to be produced annually on a worldwide basis. The largest single use of bromine is in fire safety. Since its discovery, bromine compounds have also been used for water treatment, reduction of mercury emissions, oil drilling, crop protection, energy storage and generation, production of pharmaceuticals, catalyst for plastics (PTA), rubber, photo chemistry, still used for X-rays, absorption systems for air conditioning.