The Methyl Bromide Issue

Methyl Bromide is a naturally occurring compound but also a man–made product, widely used as a fumigant in agriculture, horticulture and the preservation of structural materials. It is also believed to play a significant role in the depletion of the ozone layer. Since 1991, a fierce debate has raged on the relative merits of scientific, political, environmental and economic arguments for and against the use of this chemical. This book does not set out to convince the reader of a predetermined view point. Its purpose is to set out as much of the scientific debate as is possible to date and let the reader weigh up the available evidence. In this volume are covered the major relevant fields of science including agriculture, atmospheric chemistry, oceanography, environmental sciences, chemistry, biology and toxicology, as well as two chapters on potential alternatives to methyl bromide. The authors who have contributed to this book are international experts who have played pivotal roles in the international debate on methyl bromide.

Methyl Bromide in Perspective (N. Price).

Methyl Bromide in the Atmosphere (J. Butler & J. Rodriguez).

Methyl Bromide and the Environment (M. Miller).

Effects on Target Organisms (O. Macdonald & C. Reichmuth).

Methyl Bromide as a Soil Fumigant (L. Klein).

Methyl Bromide in Storage Practice and Quarantine (B. Chakrabarti).

Alternatives––Chemicals (P. Annis & C. Waterford).

Alternatives––Physical Methods and Emission Reduction (C. Bell).

Indexes.

"The four chapters covering the chemistry and mammalian toxicology of the compound, its effects on target organisms, uses in storage practice, uses in storage practice, and alternative method sof preventing infestation and spoilage are written by scientists with established reputations in the fields of fumigation and food storage practice from this institution. What makes the book particularly useful is the juxtaposition of these chapters with contributions from leading experts in atmospheric ozone depletion and environmental analysis (in both the chemical and political sense)." Pesticide Science