Sodium Bromide has long been used as an algaecide in swimming pools. Typically, very small amounts of sodium bromide are added to chlorine pools that have algae. The idea is that the sodium bromide reacts with the chlorine to form chloramines. While one generally does not want chloramines in pool water--one generally shocks the water to turn chloramines back to free chlorine, chloramines are more effective at killing certain types of algae. Therefore, there are times when sodium bromine is added as a supplement to a chlorine pool to generate chloramines to fight algae.
There is a rumor that the EPA is banning Sodium Bromide. This is not true. There is, however, some controversy regarding changes to labeling and some confusion regarding tests and its proper and common use.
The controversy arose out of a study that involved sodium bromine concentrations at sixty six times the recommended dose. This study revealed some dangers to health.
Scott Hamilton, CEO of United Chemical has issued a very thorough statement about this. His company will continue to sell sodium bromine, but some labeling may change and some distributers are choosing not to sell it.
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