Methyl Bromide

Richard Lonardo

11/28/2008

Dr. Sihi
 Methyl Bromide, a halo alkane currently used in fumigation and other industrial

practices, is primarily used as a soil pesticide and applied as a gas. The compound is

gaseous at ambient temperature and pressure, three times heavier than air, as well as

colorless and odorless unless treated with a lacrimator1. The weight and gaseous

characteristics allow the pesticide to accumulate at ground level displacing air and

effectively covering the desired areas to be fumigated. Methyl bromide does pose risks

to both human and environmental systems. It affects the central nervous system in

humans as well as acts as an ozone depleting agent.

Methyl Bromide was first registered as an insecticide in the United States in

19612. It was initially introduced in 19323. It was widely used as a soil fumigant

targeting rats and insects though it has a broader range of pesticidal effects. The use of

Methyl Bromide has been regulated and is currently being phased out globally. It has

been identified and argued as possibly the most aggressive ozone depleting substance

still in use4. The Montréal Protocol has listed this and other substances as ozone

depleting agents and has leveyed global treaties in an effort to reduce the negative

effects of ozone depletion.

Methyl Bromide is manufactured mainly with the intent of pesticidal use. It is

typically packaged under pressure in the liquid form for shipping purposes. The

synthesis process varies but in the academic lab it is formed by a radical reaction.

Methane and bromine react together under the addition of light or high heat to slowly

form bromomethane. The structure of the molecule is a central carbon atom

surrounded by three hydrogen atoms and one bromine atom covalently bonded. The
structure is in the form of a tetrahedral with the carbon atom sp3 hybridized and the

bromine atom retaining six free electrons in its outer shell. The molecule is structurally

stable. However, due to the high electro-negativity of the bromide ion, as well as free

electron pairs, the molecule is relatively eager to react in a multitude of ways. One in

particular is with ozone.

The reaction methyl bromine undergoes with the ozone is as follows, “because

of its long half-life in the lower atmosphere and consequent eventual dispersion to the

upper atmosphere, methyl bromide may be dissociated to form activated bromine

species that may have a depleting affect on ozone.”5 The research of this molecule and

other halogenated hydrocarbons were discussed at the Montreal Protocol. The

reduction of ozone over the polar regions of the Earth became a great focus and the

critical chemical agents released by humans were identified and regulated against. It is

argued that the damage done is not permanent and that the continued efforts to regulate

and reduce degenerative agents will allow for a full recovery to the ozone layer of the

upper stratosphere6.

The commercial use of methyl bromide as a soil fumigants, quarantine and

commodity fumigants, structural fumigants, chemical intermediates, organic synthesis

usually as methylating agents, low boiling point solvent for extracting oils from nuts

and seed7. Although the substance has been brought to the attention of the general

public as an ozone depleting agent the uses and practical applications of methyl

bromide have a great importance to the world around us. It is one of the most cost

effective and practical agents in the protection of cross contaminating ecosystems

through world shipping. The compound also has its place in both the academic and

industrial manufacturing of the other chemicals. Until the nature of the adverse effects

and toxicity to humans it was even used in fire extinguishers.

Human health concerns for methyl bromide stem from the neurotixicity of the

gas, neuromuscular and cognitive deficits8. Symptoms may include headache, visual

disturbances, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and involuntary movement9. The

physiological dangers can occur in any or all of the following areas: CNS, Peripheral

Neurology, Cardiovascular, Renal, Hepatic, Ocular, Dermal and Potential Sequelae10.

CNS is, however, the most sever and primary effected area. Both acute and prolonged

exposure can greatly affect the human central nervous system ranging from slurred

speech to seizures. Methyl bromide’s toxicity is due to its ability to effect and damage

cells as it binds to DNA, lipids and proteins11. Routes of exposure may be through

inhalation or skin absorption. Its primary intended rout of exposure in insects and

rodent eradication is in the gaseous form where it is most effective as a pesticide.

Although the pesticide works well its toxicity is moderate to low in rodents. “Methyl

bromide is used as a fumigant to control insect pests. Although it is not as toxic for

insect species as some other fumigants, such as HCN, acrylonitrile, and ethylene

dibromide, its ability to penetrate quickly and deeply into sorptive materials makes it an

effective and versatile fumigant (Davis et al., 1977; Sassaman et al., 1986).”12

As a fumigant, clearly bromomethane presents a clear risk to the environment.

It has killed many humans, countless animals and insects and an immeasurable amount

of damage to the ozone layer. However, as it’s intended use as fumigant it has aided
farmers in the production of their crops, particularly so in unindustrialized nation

struggling to produce the needed sustenance for their people. It has aided to protect

against the transference of dangerous infectious insects from being shipped around the

world and has kept people healthy in their home from the spread of insect born disease.

As we develop new methods to replace the valuable protection mechanisms of older and

potentially dangerous systems we must be diligent in balancing the risks. To continue

to keep human safety and environmental safety in mind as we continue to strive to make

the world a better place.

The world around us has a unity and cohesiveness that we are only now fully

beginning to understand. The causality of the human impact on the environment and

fragility of the many environmental systems that control and propagate the Earth’s echo

system have now become a focus to the many industrialized nations. While we

maintain a concerted effort to understand the interconnectedness of the environment and

attempt to conceive systems to protect and assist human development we also must

remain diligent in sharing the technology. Currently it is primarily the US and third

world countries that are using methyl bromide, the US for systems that can only be

treated with the compound and other countries because of their lack of additional

resources to ulterior systems. The Montréal protocol has regulated the use of the

fumigant and as a global initiative has potential saved the world from a systematic break

down of our protective atmosphere. Thus, the pursuit of balance between human

development and echo-destruction continues as we move forward with the burden of

our fate placed in our own hands.

Works Cited

1. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/MHMI/mmg27.html

2. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/MHMI/mmg27.html

3. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/MHMI/mmg27.html

4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromomethane

5. http://www.inchem.org/documents/sids/sids/methbrom.pdf

6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Protocol

7. http://www.inchem.org/documents/sids/sids/methbrom.pdf

8. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/MHMI/mmg27.html

9. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/MHMI/mmg27.html

10. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/MHMI/mmg27.html

11. http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/MBtech.pdf

12. http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc166.htm#SubSectionNumber:7.3.
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