The primary natural source of bromine to the atmosphere is sea spray aerosols.
[1] The primary atmospheric sinks are sea spray deposition and photochemical reactions, which release gaseous bromine.
Bromine is used in flame retardants, pesticides, lighter fuel, antiknocking agents, and for water purification.
[4] Organic bromine gases such as CH3Br, CH2Br2, CH2IBr are emitted by microorganisms in sea ice and snow at ten-fold higher rates than from other environments.
Inorganic bromine is found in the atmosphere and is quickly cycled between its gas and its particulate phase.