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The most widely used fumigant today is Methyl Bromide (Ch3Br). This odorless gas has the advantage that it is stable, has incredible penetration of most materials (metal excluded) and is commercially priced. Methyl Bromide also penetrates without leaving traces of its intrusion into a product. For this reason produce such as edible fruits and vegetables are regularly treated with Methyl Bromide for the extermination of pests. Cargoes such as timber, which can house a variety of unwanted visitors such as borers, are also most effectively treated by Methyl Bromide fumigation because the gas can penetrate up to 7 inches of timber from all sides.
There are no close substitutes for Methyl Bromide that provide the same performance advantages. Phosphine, which is used in some instances, lacks Methyl Bromide's penetrative characteristics. Further, not only is it inherently unstable, being prone to auto-ignite or explode, but it also tends to leave a residue after fumigation.
Whilst Methyl Bromide is still seen as the most effective quarantine fumigant available, it does have some down sides which has called its use into question. As can be imagined with any gas able to kill pests in timber to a depth of 7 inches, it is highly toxic. Methyl Bromide is a suspected carcinogen and mutagen. Exposure in smaller doses can have a cumulative effect and thereby gives rise to health concerns for workers on site such as stevedores, and the community at large.
The other major disadvantage is that Methyl Bromide is an ozone-depleting substance, identified in the Montreal Protocol as having a ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) of 0.6. The bromine released into the atmosphere in the form of degraded Methyl Bromide is said to be up to 50 times more destructive to the earth's ozone layer than the chlorine from some degraded CFCs. Nordiko provides an ozone friendly anti - pollution solution.
In an effort to eradicate the use of such a dangerous gas, the Montreal Protocol of 1987 urged member countries to find a replacement for Methyl Bromide and to ban its use as quickly as possible. The Protocol sets out clear targets for the phasing out of the use of Methyl Bromide by January 2005 in all applications other than for quarantine fumigation and pre-shipment usage, which will continue until a solution, or suitable substitute can be found. Nordiko's technology provides a solution until a replacement to Methyl Bromide is found. There has been considerable research into substitutes for Methyl Bromide. until a suitable alternative is found, Nordiko's system provides for a more responsible use of Methyl Bromide.
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