of developing countries. Developing countries may continue use of chemicals until the year

2010 (Chemically Speaking, 1993).


Methyl Bromide and Safety/Health Concerns

 Methyl bromide is listed as a restricted use pesticide due to acute toxicity. According

to the specimen label for methyl bromide, it is for retail sale to, and use only by, Certified

Applicators, or persons under their direct supervision, and only for those uses covered by the

Certified Applicator's certification. The chemical is a gas which is colorless, tasteless, and

odorless unless in high concentrations. The chemical can be applied as a liquid, however at

room temperature, the chemical converts into a gas which can be inhaled and result in

respiratory problems, which is considered to be the most common and serious injury associated

with methyl bromide. Symptoms associated with methyl bromide may not occur for several

hours or days because the chemical is not found to be irritating to the eyes or the upper

respiratory tract, unless substantial amounts are inhaled into the lungs. Inhaling substantial

amounts can lead to irritation of the cells lining the lungs which can result in pulmonary edema

(fluid in the lungs), sometimes leading to death (Noling, 1993b). Methyl bromide is not as

effectively absorbed through the skin, however it can cause skin blisters and enter the circulatory

system through absorption of the skin. A range of 8,600 to 60,000 parts per million (ppm) have

been found to be fatal in humans (Noling 1993b). Therefore, threshold concentrations have been

established as a safety guideline prior to entering into a treated area. According to the specimen

label, if there are amounts of 5 ppm or greater present in the air, then entry into the treated

region should be delayed for 48 hours.