Chlorine is an element that causes some extreme reactions, and occasionally inspires some pretty extreme reactions in humans, too.

From Vulcan to vultures, today's element brings stories of unintended consequences.

There's no new episode today, but hopefully next week's Element Update and the following week's return to our regular broadcasting schedule will make up for it.

What follows is merely a transcript of what I say in today's non-episode, so if you only read, or only listen, you're not missing any information!

I'm T. R. Appleton, and you're NOT listening to The Episodic Table of Elements. At least, not today. I've been out of town for the past week, so I haven't yet finished the script for Episode 16.

But don't fret: Next Monday, July 2, I'll post a new Element Update at episodic table dot com. It might surprise you just how much the 15 elements we've already covered have been in the news lately!

Then, on Monday, July 9, we get back in the thick of it with sulfur, and several stories of serendipitous scientific discoveries.

In the meantime, if you've been enjoying the podcast so far, it would be a huge help if you'd rate or review the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher, or even just recommend it to someone else who might like it.

Until next time, this is T. R. Appleton, reminding you that I'm very grateful to have you as a listener.

The history of phosphorus is largely a tale of people getting their hands dirty. Very, very dirty.

From prehistoric times right through today, our hand-held tools have been made of silicon.

Listen to some of the pointless arguments caused by element 13, and take a look at the argument-filled history of one sharp aluminum point.

Magnesium makes for quite a fireworks display, whether inside your body or out.

Turns out ancient sages and seers might've actually known a thing or two. Also, is there a good reason for sodium's chemical symbol? Na.

Neon may no longer be "the new one," but it might have a better claim to the name than any other element on the periodic table.

Just *try* to tally the body count behind the periodic table's most reactive element, and learn why you should drink it.