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Knopp, Germany

That ozone talks fail over U.S. stance on the use of methyl bromide. Supposedly we are limited to 30% use of this fumigate over previous levels with it to be banned by 2005. Now the US wants to increase the amount used to 38%. Here is a copy/paste from the article:

"Methyl bromide, which kills soil pests before crops are planted, is due to be phased out by all developed nations by January 1, 2005, under a global pact to protect the atmosphere."

Would someone help this ignorant AG grower understand the implications behind all of this. Thanks. Here is the link:
http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/science/11/16/ozone.talks.reut/index.html

11/17/2003 8:32:55 AM

Ga.

http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?s=%20%201517080

another short story on same thing...

11/17/2003 8:52:18 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

And this my friends is why Basamid is registered. I sometimes do public speaking engagements on why Methyl-bromide is going away & how & where Basamid can take it's place. Interesting the Japanese government won't accept our Strawberry exports unless the fruit has first been MB gassed. Yet irradiating leaves most of Europe & Asia cold. So we keep right on burning holes in the oxone for their benefit (& the American farmers). But at least we're on the road to MB's total removal. That counts for something.

Steve

11/17/2003 9:33:49 AM

Oz

Nasty stuff.
Pour sulfuric acid over sodium bromide and methyl alcohol
and you get MB.
Planes,truck containers,planes,and shipping containers are fumigated with MB.
NOTHING LIVES.
Its three times as heavy as air.It hangs around.
Soil for fruits and veggies are fumed before planting.
80% is used for soil fumigation.Soil for turf grass is also fumed with MB.
,,,,,,Go to www.mcgillcompost,,,interesting.............
MB absorbs 7in into timber.
Its used for termite treatment of homes.
Tent the house and pump in the gas.
Dont go in cause it will kill ya quick.
IT IS 50 TIMES MORE DAMAGING TO THE OZONE THAN CFCs.
Cherries cant be exported to japan because of moths without MB fumigation.
Apples,peppers,and more are all fumed with MB before export.
Antiques are fumed also.
There is no antedote for MB poisoning.
An est of $1bill a year loss for winter crop growers is predicted from MB bans.
Mexico will have a 15 year advantage over the USA in the ban process.
MB kills anthrax.
Major manufacturers are GREAT LAKES CHEM,ETHYL CORP,and ETHYL CORP. I WONDER HOW MUCH $$ THEY CONTRIBUTE TO ELECTION FUNDS? export/import grower associations?
There are alternatives.Not as toxic or quick acting.
Most MB gases are vented right into the air.
Soil treatment of course goes right into the air.
I wonder if MB could be treated in containers,etc so that it would break down or convert to something safe.
It causes cancer and mutations.
More use of local products would knock down the demand for MB alot.
Global economics drives too much.
We either find something safer to use like we did with CFCs,or we destroy the ozone layer that protects us.

11/17/2003 10:06:34 AM

Webster, NY

This from the msds on methyl bromide.

Toxic. May be fatal by ingestion, inhalation or if absorbed through the skin. May cause CNS damage. May cause reproductive defects. Possible human carcinogen. Corrosive. Very destructive of mucous membranes.

I've used this and methyl iodide in the lab a number of times. It's not pleasant stuff and generally is only used under controlled conditions.

11/17/2003 10:58:01 AM

Montoursville, PA

Interesting! Aproximately 30% of the American foods are now produced organically. That, of course, represents more than thirty percent of the cash flow.

These growers need and use no such chemicals to produce wholesome and profitable foods. In more than a few instances the produced food shows improved quality and flavor.

As the power of the monoculture dollars deminishes the political power also diminishes. It will not happen overnight but you and I are living in a changing world of growing techniques back to soil building instead of ripping off profits from soil killing and soil management proceedures or techniques that involve using the harsh chemicals.

11/28/2003 9:35:31 AM