Also known as: Bromomethane. CAS Number: 74-83-9. Exists as a gas
at room temperature and as a liquid under pressure or at low
temperatures. It is odorless at low concentrations and has a
slightly fruity odor at higher concentrations. It is used
primarily as a fumigant in soil to control fungi, nematodes, and
weeds. Also used in fumigation of food commodities, such as
grains, and in storage facilities (such as mills, warehouses,
vaults, ships, and freight cars) to control insects and rodents.
Methyl bromide is also used as an intermediate in chemical
synthesis, as a refrigerant, as an herbicide, as a fire
extinguishing agent, and for extracting oils from nuts, seeds,
and flowers. Chemical formula = CH3Br. Molecular weight = 94.95
g/mol.
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Methyl bromide is used as a fumigant and pesticide. Exposure may
occur during fumigation activities. Methyl bromide is highly
toxic. Studies in humans indicate that the lung may be severely
injured by the acute (short-term) inhalation of methyl bromide.
Acute and chronic (long-term) inhalation of methyl bromide can
lead to neurological effects in humans. Neurological effects
have also been reported in animals. Degenerative and
proliferative lesions in the nasal cavity developed in rats
chronically exposed to methyl bromide by inhalation. Chronic
inhalation exposure of male animals has resulted in effects on
the testes at high concentrations. EPA has classified methyl
bromide as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.