Bromine, like chlorine, fluorine, and iodine, is one of the elements in the chemical group known as halogens. The word halogen derives from Greek, meaning ‘salt-former’, because these elements are commonly found in nature, in the form of natural salts. For example, sodium chloride or table salt, is the most common halogen salt. The most recoverable form of bromine is from soluble salts found in seawater, salt lakes, inland seas, and brine wells.

A common use of bromine is in making flame retardants. Due to its unique chemical interaction with the combustion process, bromine is an extremely efficient element, meaning that a relatively small amount is needed to achieve fire resistance.

Brominated flame retardants are used to protect a wide variety of products.