What is Methyl Bromide?

Methyl bromide is also known as bromomethane, monobromomethane, isobrome, or methyl fume. It is a colorless gas at room temperature, and it's liquid below 38.6°F (3.6° C) or when it's compressed. At low concentrations it is odorless and nontoxic, however, at above 1,000 ppm it has a musty or fruity odor.

Humans can be exposed to methyl bromide through a variety of ways. The most common way is by inhalation. Because odor is not a reliable indicator of methyl bromide, much exposure can occur before symptoms are obvious. It is three times heavier than air and can amass in badly ventilated or low-lying areas. The second most common way is skin/eye contact. Methyl bromide can easily penetrate the most protective clothing. Since it is usually odorless, a lachrymator is usually added. A lachrymator is a chemical substance that causes the shedding of tears, i.e. tear gas. The most unlikely route of exposure is by ingestion, because it is a gas at room temperature.

Methyl bromide is a neurotoxic gas that can cause convulsion, coma, headaches, dizziness, ocular effects, pulmonary edema, ataxia, and long term muscular and psychological problems.

The most common effects of acute methyl bromide are respiratory. Common symptoms include throat irritation, chest pain, and shortness of breath. The most severe exposure may result in inflammation of the lungs and accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Death is possible if these symptoms are present. Methyl bromide may result in some cardiovascular problems such as rapid beating of the heart (Tachycardia).

Skin contact with methyl bromide can cause redness of skin and stinging pain followed by blisters similar to second degree burns. If too much is absorbed through the skin, it will affect the urinary process. Bloody urine, scant/absent urine production, and accumulation of nitrogen wastes due to the death of kidney cells can occur. Exposure to the eye can cause corneal irritation and very painful burns.

There are different treatment methods for methyl bromide poisoning. If inhaled, an oxygen mask must be applied. Patients with bronchospasm should be treated with aerosolized bronchodilators. If the victim is a child, racemic epinephrine may be applied.

To treat skin contact, treat like normal burns. Cool the skin fifteen to twenty minutes to reduce pain. Once it is cooled, apply lotion/moisturizer to the area. If pain persist take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen), Bayer (asprin), or Aleve (Naproxen). Cover area with sterile gauze. If the methyl bromide comes in contact with the eye, rinse area for fifteen minutes. Examine the eye for any damage to the corneal damage and treat appropriately.

Methyl bromide is one of the five most commonly used pesticide and herbicide in the world. It is used mostly by farmers to get rid of fungus, nematodes, microorganisms, and weeds. By spraying commodities with methyl bromide, they are protected from insects.

Citations:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov - Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry
http://www.champon.com - Champon Millennium Chemicals Inc.
http://www.fortherecordmag.com - Health Information