| . |  |
 |
| . |
| . | |
|
| . |
Methyl Bromide is a gaseous fumigant that has been used commercially since the early 1900's. It is widely used to control pests in soil, stored commodities, structures and quarantine shipments. It is extremely effective as a herbicide, nematocide, insecticide and fungicide. The extent to which use of MBr contributes to ozone depletion is, up to the present time, not clearly defined by scientists. However, suspicion of potential depletion has prompted a gradual phase out schedule, initiated by the Montreal Protocol; administered by the United Nations Environmental Program. The final date for phase out in Trinidad and most other countries is not until 2015. According to a recent report from the United Nations Scientific Assessment Panel, ozone depletion by MBr is considered far less than was first estimated in 1994. New research shows that the natural removal of MBr by oceanic uptake is larger than originally thought. Also, loss of the gas via the soil (during soil fumigation) has been found to be more extensive than previous testing indicated. Altogether, the calculated amount of bromide to the stratosphere is less than first thought. As a result of this new evidence, the UNSAP has officially reduced the Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) for methyl bromide from 0.6 (1994) to 0.4 (1999). This means that if all methyl bromide emission was stopped in 2004, the result would only be a 1% decrease in future ozone layer loss (compared to the 13% decrease predicted in 1994). Of all ozone depletion compounds discussed in the 1998 report of the Scientific Assessment Panel, methyl bromide is estimated to have the least effect on the ozone layer over the next 50 years. We hope this will serve in reducing any ambiguity on the subject. As
of yet there are no efficient alternatives to MBr, particularly for
treating commodities, harvested crops, etc. Although other chemicals
are used for fumigation, none have as successful a kill. For various
practical reasons, methyl bromide continues to be our fumigant of choice. |
