# Smelly Smell That Smells Smelly (DD-335)

> Bromine is a reddish-brown liquid halogen that evaporates readily into a choking, foul-smelling vapor; its name comes from the Greek for stench. The vapor irritates the eyes and airways and can damage the lungs, and liquid bromine causes painful skin burns. It must be handled in well-ventilated spaces with protective gear. The footage, from NileRed, shows bromine being handled in the lab.

- Department: Science
- First published: 2024-10-01
- Last updated: 2024-10-01
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/smelly-smell-that-smells-smelly/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-335-F01**: Bromine is liquid at room temperature. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Liquid))_
- **DD-335-F02**: Its vapor is reddish brown. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Color))_

## Write-up

Bromine is one of only two elements that are liquid at room temperature. Its reddish-brown vapor is corrosive and toxic.

1. **Liquid**: Bromine is liquid at room temperature.
2. **Color**: Its vapor is reddish brown.
3. **Name**: Its name means stench.
4. **Burns**: It burns skin.
5. **Lungs**: Its vapor damages airways.

## Related case files

- [DANGEROUSLY Reactive (DD-358)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/dangerously-reactive/): I linked more lab chemistry

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Smelly Smell That Smells Smelly: Bromine Is One of Only Two Elements That Are Liquid at Room Temperature

- Duration: 32.9 s · Published: 2024-10-01
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/DAlQSlvJmp5.mp4

### Transcript

Did you know, bromine is a highly corrosive and toxic chemical element, especially in its vapor form. Its vapors are reddish brown and can severely irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, difficulty breathing, and potential damage to lung tissue if inhaled in large amounts. Skin contact with liquid bromine can cause painful burns, while eye exposure can lead to severe irritation or even blindness. Long-term exposure to bromine vapors can affect the central nervous system, and accidental ingestion is extremely dangerous. Due to its reactivity and corrosiveness, bromine must be handled with extreme care in well-ventilated areas and with proper protective gear. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What color is bromine vapor?**  
A: Distinctive. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Liquid) · Wikipedia: Bromine)_

**Q: What state is bromine at room temperature?**  
A: One of two such elements. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Color) · Wikipedia: Bromine)_

**Q: What does its name mean?**  
A: Greek bromos. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Name) · Wikipedia: Bromine)_

**Q: What does liquid bromine do to skin?**  
A: Corrosive. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Burns) · Wikipedia: Bromine)_

**Q: Where should it be handled?**  
A: With protective gear. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Lungs) · Wikipedia: Bromine)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Bromine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromine)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Smelly Smell That Smells Smelly." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-335, last updated Oct 1, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/smelly-smell-that-smells-smelly/