METHYL-BROMIDE - IS THERE ANY FUTURE FOR THIS NOTEWORTHY FUMIGANT

For many years methyl bromide has played a significant role in controlling insect pests in durable and perishable agricultural commodities, pests in the soil and in structures. Although about 10% of the chemical produced is used globally for disinfesting stored products its importance for that purpose cannot be understressed, since it is the only remaining fumigant in worldwide use other than phosphine. Methyl bromide is the only fumigant available for quarantine treatment of commodities where rapid disinfestation techniques are essential. Although methyl bromide arises from natural sources, principally the oceans, most of the chemical found in the stratosphere is now thought to originate from man-made sources. Methyl bromide has been formally listed as an ozone-depleting substance by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, with agreement from 1995 to limit future production. Reviews of both the current uses of methyl bromide, and of potential substitutes should permit a decision on a general control scheme for the chemical by 1995. Separately, in the U.S.A., under the Clean Air Act, methyl bromide will be phased out by the year 2001. Other countries or political unions are also currently examining the feasibility of reducing the quantities of methyl bromide used. Future restrictions on methyl bromide are expected to have a particular impact on developing countries, particularly those exporting agricultural products. This has been recognized in exempting these countries from the controls to be introduced in 1995. Despite many uncertainties regarding its role in ozone depletion it seems certain that methyl bromide will, eventually, be removed from the list of the few remaining products capable of preventing pest damage to food and other valuable commodities.