in order to conform to EPA standards, and concluded that it was not economically in their best

interest to continue sale and distribution in the United States. Another factor that played a role

in their decision to withdraw registration of Vorlex is that the chemical comprises only a small

portion of their business. At the time of the announcement of removal of Vorlex, several

companies approached the manufacturer to take over the division for Vorlex sale and

distribution, however, after evaluation of the situation regarding the economics and the cost of

new studies, these companies chose not to pursue the opportunity.

 The manufacturer requested that EPA consider (a) registration of Vorlex as a minor use

chemical and (b) possible flexibility regarding the studies required for re-registration. EPA

responded by recommending that Vorlex be viewed as a new product (since it had been

voluntarily removed from registration) requiring approval by the registration division of EPA

instead of consideration by the re-registration division. If the EPA were agreeable to flexibility

in registration requirements and the economic situation favored the production of Vorlex (i.e.,

removal of methyl bromide from the market), the manufacturer might consider the possibility

of appropriate testing required for registration of Vorlex as a minor use product.


Vapam

 Metham sodium, also known as Vapam, can be applied to the soil as a preplant, soil

fumigant for control of soilborne pathogens such as nematodes, weeds, fungi and insects.

Metham sodium is considered a water soluble, alkaline chemical. When combined with water,

which is acidic in comparison with metham sodium, the chemical becomes unstable and

decomposes to its active form of methylisothiocyanate (MITC). Once the chemical is placed in

the soil, MITC will volatilize from a liquid to a gaseous phase which enables it to flow