Bromine species are important components in troposphere and stratosphere, which can participate in many atmospheric chemical processes, play important role in the ozone depletion, and affect sulfur and mercury cycle of atmosphere. This paper provides an up to date overview of global bromine emissions from natural and anthropogenic sources, summarizes the level, species and chemistry of bromine in troposphere and stratosphere, and especially reviews the presence and important role of BrO of reactive bromine species in the ozone depletion. Finally, the shortcomings in current atmospheric research and prospect of main scientific problems are put forward.