Question

Why are halogens toxic?

Answer 1

1. Group 17 elements are called Halogen elements that is derived from Greek word “halo” means salts and genes means “formation”.
2. The elements are Fluorine$\left(\mathrm{F}\right)$, Chlorine$\left(\mathrm{Cl}\right)$, Bromine$\left(\mathrm{Br}\right)$, Iodine$\left(\mathrm{I}\right)$, Astatine$\left(\mathrm{At}\right)$.
3. These elements include nonmetallic nature as well as they are radioactive.
4. They are located on the right side of the periodic table.
5. Astatine is radioactive in nature, with a short-lived isotope, but is placed in Halogen groups.
6. Halogens are highly reactive in nature and can be lethal to many biological organisms.
7. This is because of the higher electronegativities and effective nuclear charge.
8. Fluorine is highly reactive among all the halides, it is corrosive, toxic, and reacts with inert materials such as glass.
9. Example: Hydrofluoric acid$\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{HF}\mathbf{\right)}$ is much toxic in nature as it creates burn when penetrates through the skin.