Question

Why are halogens toxic?

Answer 1

Halogens include some toxic non-metallic elements which are radioactive in nature. Halogens are highly reactive and as such can be harmful or lethal to biological organisms in sufficient quantities.

Complete step-by-step answer: - The halogens are located on the left of the noble gases on the periodic table. It consists of five non-metallic elements which are known to be extremely toxic in nature.
- These elements are Fluorine, chlorine, iodide, bromine, and astatine.
- Astatine is radioactive and has short-lived isotopes, but it behaves similar to iodine and is often included in the halogen group.
- Halogens are highly reactive and as such can be harmful or lethal to biological organisms in sufficient quantities. This reactivity is due to the high electronegativity of the atoms due to their high effective nuclear charge.
- Fluorine is one of the most reactive elements. It reacts with otherwise inert materials such as glass, and it forms compounds with the heavier noble gases. It is a corrosive and highly toxic gas.
- Its reactivity means that once it does react with something, it bonds so strongly that the resulting molecule is inert and non-reactive.

Note: Fluorine gas is extremely toxic. Breathing in fluorine at a concentration of 25 ppm is potentially lethal. Hydrofluoric acid is also toxic in nature, being able to penetrate skin and cause highly painful burns. Moreover, fluoride anions are toxic, but not as toxic as pure fluorine.