Bioglobal has successfully demonstrated a fumigation alternative to methyl bromide (MB) at a Government owned date processing facility in Al Hasa, Saudi Arabia. Under the Montreal Protocol 2005, 87 countries agreed to phase out the use of MB (including Saudi Arabia) because of its toxicity and contribution to greenhouse gases.

Methyl bromide is a potent biocide with insecticidal, fungicidal and herbicidal properties. Its primary use is soil fumigation, post-harvest protection of dry commodities (such as stored grain or dried fruit) and quarantine treatments. Methyl bromide is a highly toxic gas at room temperature which is colourless and odourless. Many countries will not accept product fumigated by MB because of its toxic residues and implications for human health.

THE ALTERNATIVES

Many of the current alternatives are either equally as dangerous (methyl iodine), and/or are becoming ineffective (phosphine) due to pest resistance. The safe, environmentally friendly alternative fumigant is ethyl formate (EF) which is as effective as MB. The key to its use is the development of customised gas delivery systems which Bioglobal has developed for date processing.

Bioglobal’s system was successful in achieving a 100% kill rate for storage moth pest and larvae in three tests carried out in June 2011 at Al Hasa with monitoring by the Ministry of Agriculture and King Faisal University.  This result is a major advancement for the company in deploying this post-harvest technology.

The next step is further testing by the Ministry of Agriculture to replicate the results, and refining the business model to penetrate the market. The replacement of MB is a worldwide problem with widespread application in very significant markets including developed countries.

HEALTH IMPACTS OF METHYL BROMIDE

Methyl bromide is highly toxic to humans and animals. It may be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Acute (short term) exposure can cause severe chemical burns of the skin, eyes and airways, delayed chemical pneumonia which produces water in the lungs, severe kidney damage and has devastating effects on the central nervous system. The effects may be fatal. If a person inhales smaller amounts of methyl bromide it may produce affects that give the appearance of alcohol intoxication such as mental confusion, double vision, tremors, lack of co-ordination and slurred speech. Repeated mild exposures accumulate and cause skin rashes.

The most likely mode of exposure is by inhalation of the gas. The gas cannot be smelt until at dangerous concentrations so exposure above acceptable levels may occur unknowingly. Methyl bromide may also cause burns to the skin or eyes and may be absorbed through the skin. Soil applications are particularly likely to cause burns to the feet and legs.

The effect of methyl bromide poisoning is permanent and irreversible. If any symptoms occur within 24 hours of exposure then medical attention is required. The risk to health can be reduced considerably by using adequate protection to prevent inhalation and skin and eye contact. Workers who fumigate homes and fields may be exposed to high levels of methyl bromide if proper safety precautions are not followed. Bystanders are also at risk from spray drift. Exposure to soil residues after fumigation is unlikely to cause health effects as methyl bromide quickly evaporates at normal temperatures, although pockets of gas may remain for a short time. The main breakdown product of methyl bromide (bromide ions) can be measured in blood samples taken within 1 to 2 days following exposure. 

Ken Ingbritsen

CEO