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Phytopathology Jun 2024The loss of the soil fumigant methyl bromide (MeBr) and adoption of soil fumigant alternatives has been challenging for farmers, particularly for those crops in which... (Review)
Review
The loss of the soil fumigant methyl bromide (MeBr) and adoption of soil fumigant alternatives has been challenging for farmers, particularly for those crops in which pathogens previously controlled by MeBr have emerged as significant problems, but it has resulted in some unanticipated benefits for the scientific community and the environment. Applauded as one of the most effective environmental agreements to date, the universally accepted Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances has had a significant impact on the environment, reducing the release of halogenated compounds from anthropogenic sources enough to mitigate global warming by an estimated 1.1°C by 2021. The funding associated with various MeBr transition programs has increased collaboration across scientific disciplines, commodity groups, industry, and regulatory agencies. Chemical alternatives and improved application strategies, including the development of gas-retentive agricultural films, coupled with sound efficacy data and grower ingenuity have resulted in the sustained production of many of the impacted crops; although there has been some loss of acreage and value, particularly for Florida fumigated crops, for some, value has continued to increase, allowing production to continue. The loss of a single, broad-spectrum tool for pest control has led to a deeper understanding of the specific pest complexes impacting these at-risk crops, as well as the development of new, biologically based management tools for their control while increasing our understanding of the role of the soil microbiome in pest control and crop production.
Topics: Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Fumigation; Soil; Crops, Agricultural; Agriculture; Plant Diseases
PubMed: 38427594
DOI: 10.1094/PHYTO-09-23-0345-IA -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023Methyl bromide (MB) is worldwide the only effective fumigant heavily used for quarantine pre-shipment treatment and has a critical use exemption for soil fumigations due...
Methyl bromide (MB) is worldwide the only effective fumigant heavily used for quarantine pre-shipment treatment and has a critical use exemption for soil fumigations due to its excellent permeability and insecticidal effect. However, MB should be replaced as it is an an ozone-depleting substance and also highly toxic to humans. Recently, MB has been shown to be hazardous even for asymptomatic workers, affecting their central and autonomic nervous systems. However, the effects of MB exposure on vascular health have not been explored. This study aimed to determine whether MB affects the arterial system of asymptomatic workers. We measured the second derivative of the photoplethysmogram (SDPTG) indices, which are indicators of vascular load and aging, and urinary bromide ion (Br) concentrations in 44 fumigators (study group) and 20 inspectors (control group) before and after fumigation. In fumigators, the mean values of post-work SDPTG indices (b/a, c/a, d/a, e/a, and SDPTG aging index) and Br levels were significantly changed compared to their pre-work values ( < 0.05), indicating a negative effect on their cardiovascular health. In contrast, SDPTG indices and Br levels in inspectors did not show any differences before and after work. All SDPTG indices except c/a showed significant correlations with Br levels in all individuals ( < 0.05). In conclusion, the Br levels and SDPTG indices of fumigators varied after MB work, and they experienced negative effects on their health despite being asymptomatic.
Topics: Humans; Photoplethysmography; Aging; Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Insecticides
PubMed: 37818301
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1224143 -
Journal of the Air & Waste Management... Jun 2022Alfalfa hay that was grown on a field treated with a methyl bromide and chloropicrin pesticide (at a 98/2 weight ratio) resulted in animal sickness, posing a disposal...
Alfalfa hay that was grown on a field treated with a methyl bromide and chloropicrin pesticide (at a 98/2 weight ratio) resulted in animal sickness, posing a disposal issue for the harvested feed. In consideration of disposal options, emissions and residues from burning treated and untreated alfalfa hay were sampled and analyzed to provide data for an assessment of potential health and environmental effects. Treated alfalfa hay was tested in parallel with untreated alfalfa in a controlled laboratory combustion facility. Results showed that about half of the bromine and chlorine in the treated hay was emitted and the remaining was retained in the ash. The alfalfa hay burned poorly, with modified combustion efficiencies, the ratio of CO to CO + CO, below 0.89. The emission factor for PM was statistically higher for the untreated versus treated alfalfa but the PAHs were doubled in the treated alfalfa. The treated alfalfa had significantly more emissions of polychorinated dibenzodioxin/dibenzofuran than the untreated alfalfa by a factor of 10, but less polybrominated dibenzodioxin/dibenzofuran. The high Br concentration in the treated alfalfa biomass may have resulted in formation and emission of mixed halogen compounds which were unable to be analyzed for lack of standards. Comparison of volatile organic compound emissions were unremarkable with the exception of MeBr where emissions from the treated alfalfa were over 300 times higher than the untreated biomass. The potential complications due to emissions and permitting of an open burn or contained incinerator left options for landfilling and feedstock blending for handling the treated alfalfa. : This paper illustrates the issues agricultural managers must deal with concerning the combustive disposal of contaminated crops. A method is presented whereby combustion of contaminated crops can be assessed for their suitability for disposal by open air or enclosed burning.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Biomass; Bromides; Carbon Dioxide; Crops, Agricultural; Dibenzofurans; Hydrocarbons, Brominated
PubMed: 34895080
DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2021.2013343 -
Journal of Occupational Health Jan 2021In this study, we aimed to establish a method for quantifying bromide ions (Br ) in blood and urine using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) equipped with a...
OBJECTIVES
In this study, we aimed to establish a method for quantifying bromide ions (Br ) in blood and urine using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) equipped with a headspace sampler, for biological monitoring of workers exposed to methyl bromide.
METHODS
Samples were mixed with dimethyl sulfate, and Br ions were detected using GC-MS with a headspace sampler. The validity of the proposed method was evaluated based on most of the US FDA guidance. The values obtained were compared with reference values by analysis using Seronorm Trace Elements Whole Blood L-1 RUO.
RESULTS
The calibration curve showed good linearity in the Br concentration range of 0.1-20.0 mg/L, and the coefficient of determination R value was >.999. Intraday and interday accuracy values were 99.3%-103.1% and 97.4%-101.8%, respectively. The measured and reference values of Seronorm were concordant. Herein, eight urine and serum samples of workers were analyzed; the samples' Br concentrations were known. The correlation coefficients of urine and serum samples were 0.97 and 0.96, respectively, and results were consistent.
CONCLUSIONS
This study established a simple and rapid method for the determination of Br concentration in biological samples using GC-MS with a headspace sampler. Moreover, it can be used for biological monitoring of occupational exposure to methyl bromide and for the determination of Br concentration in a wide range of biological samples.
Topics: Biological Monitoring; Bromides; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Occupational Exposure; Reference Values; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 34587337
DOI: 10.1002/1348-9585.12274 -
The Journal of International Medical... Oct 2022Methyl bromide is a pre-plant soil fumigant that is widely used to control nematodes, insects, and fungi in farmlands. Methyl bromide enters the human body through...
Methyl bromide is a pre-plant soil fumigant that is widely used to control nematodes, insects, and fungi in farmlands. Methyl bromide enters the human body through dermal absorption or inhalation and can damage the respiratory, nervous, circulatory, urinary, and other systems. A 62-year-old man who had inhaled a large amount of methyl bromide was admitted to our department. He presented with respiratory failure and pink foamy sputum. He was started on dexamethasone, alanyl glutamine, sulbactam, furosemide, vitamin B, mouse nerve growth factor, and other treatments, and mechanical ventilation and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHF) were performed daily. He subsequently developed coagulopathy because of the CVVHF, for which protamine, recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide, and albumin were administered intravenously. Notably, the patient developed sustained anuria and eventually died owing to multiple organ failure; specifically, failure of the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys. This report presents the diagnosis, clinical course, management, and prognosis of a patient who was treated at our hospital for severe methyl bromide poisoning.
Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Albumins; Animals; Anuria; Dexamethasone; Furosemide; Glutamine; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Male; Mice; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Growth Factors; Protamines; Soil; Sulbactam; Vitamins
PubMed: 36250482
DOI: 10.1177/03000605221122619 -
Journal of Economic Entomology Apr 2022The ham mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae), is a common pest infesting several stored products, particularly the aged hams. In this...
The ham mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae), is a common pest infesting several stored products, particularly the aged hams. In this study, we reported the efficacy of nitric oxide (NO) fumigation, a recently discovered fumigation treatment under the ultra-low oxygen environment, at various concentrations and time under the laboratory conditions at 25°C against different mite stages on both dietary media and ham meat. Our results showed that NO fumigation was effective against all mite stages and 100% control was achieved. Generally, the egg was the most tolerant stage and required 48-, 24-, 16-, and 8-h treatments to achieve 100% mortality at 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% NO concentration on dietary media, respectively. Tyrophagus putrescentiae mobile immatures and adult stages were less tolerant, and 100% mortality was achieved after 16-, 8-, 8-, and 4-h treatment at 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% NO, respectively. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of NO on egg was 0.86, 0.68, and 0.32% for 8-, 16-, and 24-h treatments. In addition, a confirmatory test was conducted on ham meat at 0.5 and 1.0% of NO and similar efficacy was found. Complete control of egg was achieved after 48- and 24-h treatment at 0.5 and 1.0% of NO, respectively, and larvae and adult mites were 100% controlled after 16 and 8 h at 0.5 and 1.0% of NO, respectively. Our results demonstrated that NO fumigation was effective against T. putrescentiae and can be a potential alternative treatment to methyl bromide for cured-ham pest control.
Topics: Acaridae; Animals; Fumigation; Mites; Nitric Oxide; Pest Control
PubMed: 35148392
DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac014 -
Environmental Science & Technology Oct 2020Methyl chloride (CHCl) and methyl bromide (CHBr) are the predominant carriers of natural chlorine and bromine from the troposphere to the stratosphere, which can...
Methyl chloride (CHCl) and methyl bromide (CHBr) are the predominant carriers of natural chlorine and bromine from the troposphere to the stratosphere, which can catalyze the destruction of stratospheric ozone. Here, penguin colony soils (PCS) and the adjacent tundra soils (i.e., penguin-lacking colony soils, PLS), seal colony soils (SCS), tundra marsh soils (TMS), and normal upland tundra soils (UTS) in coastal Antarctica were collected and incubated for the first time to confirm that these soils were CHCl and CHBr sources or sinks. Overall, tundra soil acted as a net sink for CHCl and CHBr with potential flux ranges from -18.1 to -2.8 pmol g d and -1.32 to -0.24 pmol g d, respectively. The deposition of penguin guano or seal excrement into tundra soils facilitated the simultaneous production of CHCl and CHBr and resulted in a smaller sink in PCS, SCS, and PLS. Laboratory-based thermal treatments and anaerobic incubation experiments suggested that the consumption of CHCl and CHBr was predominantly mediated by microbes while the production was abiotic and O independent. Temperature gradient incubations revealed that increasing soil temperature promoted the consumption of CHCl and CHBr in UTS, suggesting that the regional sink may increase with Antarctic warming, depending on changes in soil moisture and abiotic production rates.
Topics: Animals; Antarctic Regions; Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Methyl Chloride; Soil; Tundra
PubMed: 32935983
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04257 -
Insects Nov 2020At a time when there is much talk of reducing pesticide use and the implementation of integrated pest management, mainly in fields and glass-houses, it is appropriate to... (Review)
Review
At a time when there is much talk of reducing pesticide use and the implementation of integrated pest management, mainly in fields and glass-houses, it is appropriate to consider how cereals in storage are handled and what measures are taken to protect them against insects and other pests. For decades, the use of various synthetic pesticides has been the basis for the proper and long-term storage of cereals, primarily free of insects and mites, but also fungi and their mycotoxins and rodents. However, due to the registered negative effects of synthetic pesticides, such as dichloro-diphenyl-trihloroethane (DDT) or methyl bromide, on human health and the environment, and the appearance of resistance to, e.g., malathion, researchers have been looking for new acceptable control measures. Due to the proven and published non-acceptable data regarding synthetic pesticide effects, a combination of physical, mechanical, and biological measures with the minimal use of synthetic pesticides, under the name of integrated pest management, have been promoted. These combinations include high and low temperatures; the removal of dockages; and the application of pheromones, diatomaceous earth, and natural compounds from various plants, as well as inert gases, predators, and parasites. A ban of any synthetic pesticide usage is currently being considered, which emphasizes the fact that protection should only be performed by measures that do not leave harmful residues. However, the facts show that the application of physical, mechanical, and/or biological measures, besides the fact that they are not necessarily efficient, is very demanding because more knowledge and experience is required, as well as better equipment, greater financial investment, and awareness raising not only for agricultural producers and storage keepers, but also for consumers. In order to use these measures, which are less hazardous to humans and the environment, it is necessary to adapt regulations not only to speed up the registration protocols of low-risk pesticides, but also to prescribe criteria for placing agricultural products on the market, as well as quality standards, i.e., the permitted number of present insects, in addition to their parts in certain types of food. Additionally, we should be aware of control measures for protecting novel food and other non-traditional foods. It is important to continue to combine different protection measures, namely integrated pest management, until all of the other new procedures that must be carried out during the period of storing cereals and other products are clear, in order to ensure the best quality of final products for consumers.
PubMed: 33260599
DOI: 10.3390/insects11120846 -
PloS One 2020Methyl bromide (MB) is a fumigant that has been widely used for killing pests on plants in trade, soils, and structures worldwide due to its excellent permeability and...
Methyl bromide (MB) is a fumigant that has been widely used for killing pests on plants in trade, soils, and structures worldwide due to its excellent permeability and insecticidal effect; however, MB should be replaced because it is an ozone-depleting substance. It is well-known that MB is highly toxic and hazardous to workers, but the effects of exposure in asymptomatic workers have not been explored. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of MB fumigation on the health of fumigators at a sensitive level. The electroencephalogram (EEG) and urinary bromide ion levels of 44 fumigators (the study group) and 20 inspectors (the control) were measured before and after fumigation work from February to August 2019 in Busan, Korea. The mean post-work concentration of bromide ion (18.311 μg/mg CRE) in the fumigators was significantly increased from the pre-work level (7.390 μg/mg CRE) (P<0.001). The fumigator post-work median frequencies (MDF) and alpha-to-theta ratios (ATR) of EEG index were significantly decreased compared to the pre-work values (P<0.05 for all indices). In contrast, there were no significant differences in inspector EEG indices and urinary bromide ion. The urinary bromide ion levels in all the subjects were negatively correlated with MDF (P = 0.032). In conclusion, fumigators' EEG indices and urinary bromide ion suggested that occupational exposure to MB negatively affected the health of workers, although the workers were asymptomatic.
Topics: Adult; Bromides; Electrocardiography; Female; Fumigation; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Insecticides; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 32745138
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236694 -
Insects Nov 2021Recently, spotted wing Drosophila, , is globally prevalent and causes agricultural losses to many fruits. To export Korean strawberry, methyl bromide fumigation is...
Recently, spotted wing Drosophila, , is globally prevalent and causes agricultural losses to many fruits. To export Korean strawberry, methyl bromide fumigation is required to remove infestations, but Korean strawberry farmers are worried about fruit damage because methyl bromide can cause phytotoxicity on fresh commodities. In this report, we assessed the efficacy and phytotoxicity of single and successive application of methyl bromide and cold treatment on an export variety of strawberry to reduce fruit damage. The currently recommended dosage of methyl bromide, 40 g/m for 3 h at 18 °C, was enough to control all stages of without phytotoxicity. A dosage of 20 g/m of methyl bromide treatment for 3 h, followed by 1 d of cold (0 °C) treatment, showed 100% mortality in all growth stages of without fruit damage. Successive application of methyl bromide and cold treatment shows potential as a method of decreasing phytotoxicity and reducing the use of methyl bromide for environmental considerations.
PubMed: 34821790
DOI: 10.3390/insects12110990