Fumigant poisoning methyl bromide

Methyl bromide is sold both as the essentially pure compound, 99.5% minimum, with not more than 0.010% water and 0.001% acidity as HBr, and with small amounts of chloropicrin [76-06-2], CCI2NO2. During 1992 methyl bromide in tank cars was priced at 1.70/kg. Methyl bromide is suppHed in 37,850- and 60,560-L tank cars and in 12,220-L ISO cylinders. Repackagers supply methyl bromide in 0.45 kg or 0.68 kg cans for such appHcations as fumigating tobacco seed beds. Alone or in formulations, it is classified as a poison, class B, and requires a poison label. 

Hustinx WNM, van de Lar RTH, van Huffelen AC Systemic effects of inhalational methyl bromide poisoning a study of nine cases occupationally exposed due to inadvertent spread during fumigation. Br 7 Ind Med 50 155-159, 1993... 

METHYL BROMIDE Bromomethane, Embafume, M-B-C Fumigant, Monobromo-methane Poisonous Liquid or Solid, Class B 3 1 0 ... 

In the case of pesticides which are not ChE inhibitors, exposure is measured by the analysis of blood and/or urine for the active ingredient or its metabolites. Baseline levels of pesticides and/or metabolites are not usually determined, with the exception of methyl bromide. In this case, a blood sample is taken to check for bromide ion before fumigators use the pesticide. Blood and urine tests are run only in the case of spills or other accidents to assist in identifying the cause of poisoning or to monitor workers in a workplace. Paraquat, chlorinated hydrocarbons, mercury, p-nitrophenol, and dinitrophenol are examples of pesticides or metabolites of pesticides that have been found in the urine of exposed workers. 

Drawneek W, O Brien MJ, Goldsmith HJ, et al Industrial methyl-bromide poisoning in fumigators. Lancet 2 855-856, 1964... 

---