Methyl bromide is a gas used in agricultural practices as a fumigant. It has been designated by the EPA as a Category I Acute Toxin, classifying it as one of the most deadly pesticides in use. It is predominantly an inhalation hazard, although there are suggestions that it can also be absorbed through the skin. It is also one of the principle chemical causes of ozone depletion. Because of this, methyl bromide is scheduled to be phased out of use by 2005 in the United States. It was originally scheduled to be phased out in 2001, but Congress pushed back that date as a result of pressure from the agricultural industry.

What Are the Threats to Human Health From Methyl Bromide?

Reports have shown that chronic exposure to low concentrations of methyl bromide has been associated with harm to the central nervous system with symptoms that include muscle weakness and pain, loss of coordination, inability to focus ones eyes and noticeable behavioral changes. In addition lung irritation, pulmonary edema, convulsions and coma are known effects resulting from acute methyl bromide poisoning. Children are at significant risk as there is ample evidence that they are more susceptible to the effects of airborne toxins than adults.

Florida farmworkers face health risks from direct exposure to working with pesticides in the field. Accidents, airborne drift after application, exposure during application, and return to the fields too soon after application are the major risks farmworkers face from the agricultural use of methyl bromide. The EPA has issued a Worker Protection Standard (WPS) that requires specific regulations be followed when applying pesticides. But numerous studies and surveys of farmworkers have shown that commercial growers often fail to follow the rules, and that Floridas enforcement program has serious flaws, leaving workers dangerously unprotected. Over 9 million pounds of methyl bromide are used each year in Florida.

New Studies in Florida Find Significant Drift Near Residential Areas

Working in partnership, the Florida Consumer Action Network, the Farmworker Association of Florida, and Friends of the Earth found high levels of methyl bromide drifting off farm fields adjacent to three churches in the Homestead area. Samples were collected in special canisters, and were sent for independent analysis to an independent, certified laboratory in California. Amounts as much as 200% greater than the maximum levels allowed by California were found. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) has not set any similar standards for this state. The fields where these tests were conducted are surrounded by non-farm activity. Increasingly, residential areas are intersecting with rural areas. Citizens in these areas across Florida continue to be in jeopardy by the application of this pesticide.