Chemical compounds known as bromates are made up of oxygen atoms and bromine atoms bound together. They are frequently found in both natural and artificial forms, have a wide range of industrial uses, and have an impact on the environment and human health. Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is one of the most well-known bromates. It is used extensively in the baking industry as a flour maturation agent and dough conditioner. It increases the flexibility of the dough, giving bread a texture that people like. However, because potassium bromate may cause cancer, questions have been raised concerning its safety. Research has indicated that prolonged exposure to high levels of potassium bromate can result in tumor development in lab animals. Because of this, the use of it in food items is prohibited or limited in a number of countries, and many bakers are now using alternative dough conditioning agents. Sodium bromate (NaBrO3) is another important bromate molecule that finds use in a variety of industries, such as water treatment and chemical manufacture. Pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other compounds are produced using sodium bromate as an oxidizing agent. Because it oxidizes pollutants like arsenic and mercury into less dangerous forms, it is also used to remove trace contaminants from water supplies. Like potassium bromate, sodium bromate has also sparked worries about possible negative effects on the environment and human health. Exposure to sodium bromate has been related in studies to negative impacts on aquatic habitats and species. Additionally, bromates can occur naturally as a result of things like the oxidation of bromide ions in water sources that are exposed to sunshine. Many nations have controlled the amount of bromate in drinking water because of worries about the possible health effects. An increased risk of cancer, specifically bladder cancer, has been linked to long-term exposure to bromate-contaminated water. The development of substitute chemicals and treatment techniques is one attempt to lessen the dangers related to bromates. For instance, potassium iodate or ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are utilized as enzyme substitutes for potassium bromate in the baking business. Furthermore, cutting-edge water treatment techniques like UV irradiation and ozonation can aid in lowering the bromate content of drinking water sources. All things considered, although bromates have valuable industrial uses, their possible negative effects on human health and the environment highlight the need for cautious regulation and the creation of safer substitutes.
