Frequently Asked Questions About Our Fumigation Products

Fumigation is necessary to prevent damage to commodities caused by insects, weeds, and other pests.

Methyl Bromide (MBR) is a fumigant used in soil to control fungi, nematodes, and weeds. It is also used in the fumigation of food commodities (e.g., grains) and in storage facilities such as mills, warehouses, vaults, ships, and freight cars to control insects and rodents. In various industries, Methyl Bromide can also be used as a chemical intermediate, methylating agent, refrigerant, herbicide, fire extinguishing agent, and solvent.

Aluminium Phosphide (ALP) is used as a rodenticide, insecticide, and fumigant for stored cereal grains. It is used to kill small verminous mammals such as moles and rodents. The tablets or pellets, known as “wheat pills,” typically also contain other chemicals that evolve ammonia which help to reduce the potential for spontaneous ignition or explosion of the phosphine gas.

Zinc Phosphide is a chemical commonly used to control rodents in various crops such as grapes, sugarcane, artichoke, sugar beet, alfalfa, barley, berries, oats, sugar maple, wheat, corn, and hay. It can also be used on non-crop areas such as lawns, golf courses, highway medians, and areas adjacent to wetlands.

Before fumigating a container, it is essential to determine if the container complies with the specified pressure test standard for gas-tightness. This can be done through a pressure decay test. This corresponds to a pressure halving (or decay) time from 200-100 Pa of 10 seconds or more. If a container cannot be pressurized to 250 Pa, it is deemed to have failed the test and must be enclosed under gas-proof sheets before being fumigated with Methyl Bromide or the chosen fumigant. This process must be repeated every time the container is used to ensure its cleanliness and to prevent the transfer of exotic organisms.

The length of time required for fumigation varies from six hours to one week, depending on various factors like the type of infestation, dosage, temperature, and structure size.

Methyl Bromide (MBR): CH3Br
Aluminium Phosphide (ALP): AlP

Yes, there are several important instructions to follow while using Methyl Bromide and Aluminum Phosphide:

• Assess potential risks and take all the necessary steps to minimize them before use. 
• Obtain all the relevant information regarding surrounding areas.
• Only licensed operators should handle Methyl Bromide.
• Follow instructions on the label or permit for storage, use, and disposal.
• Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous substances from the manufacturers and make them accessible to all those who may be exposed. Keep the MSDS handy as it contains vital information for emergencies.
• Store pesticides in appropriate containers with the correct label.
• Use the lowest dosage required.
• Spray only in suitable weather conditions to avoid drift outside the target area.
• Ensure that people are not downwind of the spray.
• Provide adequate buffer areas between the application and residential or sensitive areas.
• Provide adequate instructions and training to employees before fumigation.
• Ensure that employees are trained in emergency procedures.
• Ensure that the equipment used is well-maintained and calibrated.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn by all those handling the fumigants during the procedure. This includes chemically resistant gloves, boots, and a self-contained breathing apparatus or supplied-air respirator with a full face-piece.
• Allow the gas to evaporate before entering treated areas.
• Absorb spills with sand, soil, or other non-combustible material. 
• Do not allow Methyl Bromide to enter sewers or stormwater drains. 
• Ventilate closed spaces and isolate hazardous areas.

Methyl Bromide is highly toxic and can be harmful to humans and animals if not handled properly. If inhaled or absorbed through the skin, acute exposure can cause severe chemical burns to the skin, eyes, and airways. It can also cause delayed chemical pneumonia, producing water in the lungs, severe kidney damage, and devastating effects on the central nervous system. In some cases, exposure to Methyl Bromide can even be fatal.

The most widely used form of Methyl Bromide across the globe is 98% MBR mixed with 2% Chloropicrin. Since MBR is odorless, Chloropicrin acts as a warning agent and helps detect its presence in the area.

Fumigation is a hazardous operation. Hence, only licensed and trained professionals who hold official certification should fumigate with MBR and ALP, as they are toxic chemicals that can cause harm to humans, animals, and the environment if not handled correctly.

Yes, all our products are thoroughly tested and ISO-certified.

When performing fumigation, the following should be considered:

• The fumigation area must be completely covered and sealed to contain the fumigant after its release.
• The area must be kept closed for a specified period to allow the fumigant to permeate and kill any pests present. 
• The space must then be ventilated so the poisonous gases can escape, making it safe for humans to enter.

• Evacuate persons not wearing protective equipment from the area of spill until clean-up is complete.
• Ventilate the area of spill or leak.
• Stop flow of gas. If source of leak is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air, and repair the leak or allow the cylinder to empty. The person attending to the leak or handling the cylinder should wear a pressure suit with a self-contained breathing apparatus. For additional precaution, a 5-10% Sodium Thiosulfate solution should be kept nearby in a cut drum and in case of leakages, the cylinder should be immersed in the drum to neutralize the Methyl Bromide.
• If in the liquid form, allow to vaporize.