Potassium bromate has been banned in European food products, as well as the United Kingdom, since 1990.
Canada followed shortly thereafter in 1994. Sri Lanka in 2001, China in 2005, with Nigeria, Brazil, and Peru all banning this known carcinogen according to the latest report from
Wikipedia.
This carcinogen is classified in Group 7, known as
halogens in the Periodic Table.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention lists bromine in the same class as potassium bromate, as a toxin.
In September 2007, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responded to
Breast Cancer Choices Organization inquiry about the additive with the statement:
"Potassium bromate is still listed as a safe additive."
Uses in the United States
The United States has not followed the lead of other countries due to governmental interference on the ban of carcinogenic substances.
In 1991, the FDA ineffectually urged bakers to
voluntarily stop using the toxin.
This chemical is used in almost all bread products in the U.S.
Purportedly, it is used to provide a reliable result in the baking process.
The label may disguise this chemical by stating
"enriched flour" as a cover-up.
Accumulated Toxins
A condition known as bromide dominance or bromism develops when your body is exposed repeatedly to products, environment, and food stuffs containing bromide/potassium bromate.
When the level becomes high enough in the body, the bromide/bromate inhibits the body from properly absorbing iodine causing an
iodine deficiency.
There was a reported case of an infant who developed vegetative lesions on the scalp and face after being given baby cough syrup containing bromine.
Cherry angiomas developed on technicians exposed to brominate components.
Patients being treated for mental conditions showed high levels of bromine toxicity.
Loss of hearing or permanent deafness has been reported, specifically in the lower hearing frequency ranges.
This chemical can act as a depressant particularly to the brain and nervous system.
This lessens your sensitivity and works as a powerful depressant for the heart and sex organs sometimes causing loss of the libido.
Bromine Poisoning Symptoms
The list of poisoning symptoms is long and varied:
- Yellowish white discoloration in the iris as a crescent on the upper portion of the eyeball
- Acne or rashes called bromoderma
- Copper colored swatches on the skin
- Diarrhea or digestive problems
- Headache
- Increased salivation
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Nausea
- Sneezing
- Fagitue, sluggishness
- Loss of inhibition
- Self neglect
- Impaired memory and concentration
- Irritability or emotional instability, depression
- Sleep alterations