Abstract: In the separation of traces of halogens and sulfur from a halogen- and/or sulfur-containing gas stream wherein the gas stream is contacted with a wash liquid to absorb the halogens and sulfur, the improvement which comprises including in the wash liquid heavy metal ions capable of forming difficultly soluble halides and sulfides. Preferably the heavy metal ions are silver or copper, and the insoluble heavy metal sulfide and/or halide is removed from the wash liquid which is recirculated. Almost quantitative removal is achieved in as little as 1 second of gas-wash liquid contact.