Is methyl bromide banned in Australia?
In 2005 Australia, stopped the use of methyl bromide for all but the exempt QPS uses, and for a few uses for which there was no suitable alternative to methyl bromide. Methyl bromide is an important pesticide fumigant, and is used to kill pathogens and pests in imported produce and some produce for export.
What is methyl bromide used for?
Methyl bromide is an odorless, colorless gas used to control a wide variety of pests in agriculture and shipping, including fungi, weeds, insects, nematodes (or roundworms), and rodents. Agricultural growers inject methyl bromide about two feet into the ground to sterilize the soil before crops are planted.
Why is methyl bromide banned?
Under the 1987 Montreal Protocol, all United Nations-recognized countries agreed to ban methyl bromide and other gases because they were depleting the ozone layer, which acts as a filter against the sun. Back at ground level, methyl bromide is acutely toxic if inhaled.
Is methyl bromide safe for humans?
Methyl bromide is highly toxic. Studies in humans indicate that the lung may be severely injured by the acute (short-term) inhalation of methyl bromide. Acute and chronic (long-term) inhalation of methyl bromide can lead to neurological effects in humans.
Who is the co program manager for methyl bromide?
Based on an Operational Decontamination Assessment of Methyl Bromide Fumigant on Bacillus anthracis Sterne Methyl Bromide Field Operation Guidance (MB FOG) Report April 13, 2015 2 Questions concerning this document or its application should be addressed to: Leroy Mickelsen, EPA Co-Program Manager [email protected]
Is there application for reassessment of methyl bromide?
We’ve produced a timeline to show the progress of an application to reassess methyl bromide. We have received an application from Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction Inc (the applicant) to reassess methyl bromide, a hazardous substance used in quarantine and pre-shipment fumigations.
Who was involved in the methyl bromide study?
The study was conducted by: the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence Management and Advisory Division; the UF; EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC); EPA’s Environmental Response Team; three EPA Region 4 On- Scene Coordinators; and several contractors.
Why is methyl bromide dangerous to the environment?
Treatments often fulfill official quarantine requirements for international shipments. Methyl bromide is a toxic substance. Because it dissipates rapidly to the atmosphere, it is most dangerous at the fumigation site.
