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Methyl bromide is a colorless gas used to control pests and sterilize soil and food. It is produced from bromide salts, but its use has been limited due to its harmful effects on the environment and humans. The Montreal Protocol aims to eliminate its use, but exemptions still exist in some cases.
Methyl bromide is a colorless, odorless gas that is generally non-flammable but can produce poisonous gases when exposed to fire. It is produced from bromide salts, which occur in nature. Gas can be converted to liquid when it is placed under a sufficient amount of pressure. This substance has been used to control pests such as insects, rodents and weeds. It has also been used to protect crops both before and after harvest.
Methyl bromide was used extensively internationally by the agricultural industry prior to the elimination requirements issued by the Montreal Protocol for ozone depleting substances. This treaty was adopted in 1987 to eliminate the use of substances that destroy the ozone layer. Methyl bromide is thought to play a significant role in this regard.
In some cases, the substance has been used to sterilize the soil. This was usually done by injecting methyl bromide into the soil before the seeds were planted. The purpose was to kill harmful organisms in the soil. Crops protected in this way include tomatoes, grapes and strawberries.
This substance has also been used to treat food after harvest. In these cases, foods such as cherries and nuts have been exposed to methyl bromide in a closed environment. This was done for quarantine reasons and to comply with trade regulations.
While the use of the substance has been significantly reduced by the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances, it has not been completely eliminated. In the United States, for example, exemptions allow for its use in critical cases and when quarantine is needed.
Methyl bromide is not only a risk to the environment, it can also have adverse effects on humans. When the substance is inhaled, it can cause coughing, breathing problems or accumulation of fluid in the lungs. If exposure is more severe, a variety of other adverse effects could occur. These include brain damage or central nervous system failure. A person affected by the substance could experience numbness in the limbs, coordination problems and personality changes.
Skin contact can also be dangerous. Persons dealing with this substance should wear protective clothing. If this substance comes into contact with the skin or with any object worn by a person, it is advisable to remove the dirty objects and clean the skin immediately with soap and water.
