The main use of methyl bromide is as a fumigant in soil to control fungi, worms, and weeds. it is also used to fumigate spaces where food is to be stored to control insects and rodents.
Methyl bromide exposure can lead in serious illness or death should the exposure level be high. A well-publicized case in March 2015, where a family of four became very ill as a result of being exposed to methyl bromide while vacationing at a condominium resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands, brought home the dangers.
Worryingly, the March 2015 case was not the only incident at the same resort. Earlier, in October 2014 a similar incident of toxicity occurred where 37 people were exposed to the chemical. Both cases were due to a company called Terminix treating unoccupied units close by to accommodation that was occupied by holidaymakers. Here Switchboard reported:
“During their inspection of Terminix on St. Croix Island, press accounts indicate that investigators found that the methyl bromide was not only used improperly, but was also being stored improperly.”
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: “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.”
To highlight the dangers, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a report. While such reports reinforce the message with people using the chemical in enclosed spaces, the issue of how close someone can be when the chemical is used outside remains a pertinent one.
To highlight on-going concerns, an investigation by NBC in 2015 revealed that farmers in the U.S. typically use more than 375 metric tons of the chemical. This is permitted through special waivers granted by federal regulators. This is for where there are technically and economically no feasible alternatives. Many environmental campaigners want to see the use of the chemical phased out completely.
