Methyl bromide is one of the top five most widely used pesticides in the world today. Eighty seven percent of methyl bromide is used by farmers prior to planting to eradicate all fungus, nematodes, microorganisms, and weeds from the soil to avoid destruction of the crop. In the U.S., methyl bromide is used mainly for tomato, strawberry, and bell pepper crops. California is the largest user, followed by Florida.

Eight percent of the methyl bromide market is for post harvest commodities such as grain, fruits, and vegetables. While commodities are packaged for shipment, insects could attack and destroy the food. By spraying the commodities with methyl bromide gas the commodities are then protected. Commodity spraying is also used on imported foods to protect American soil from being contaminated by outside insects, which could destroy growing crops.

Five percent of methyl bromide is used for structural spraying to protect from insect infestation. (For example termite protection in homes)

The problem with methyl bromide is that, according to the United Nations, this gas is destroying the ozone layer at a rate fifty times faster than CFC’s (Freon). Methyl bromide is also very toxic to humans and animals.

The United Nations study shows that:

• it will be less expensive to eliminate methyl bromide and find alternatives than to finance the medical costs associated with the increase in skin cancer cases caused by increased exposure to UV rays,
• the increase in UV radiation will cause damage and destruction to crops, and
• it will cause major weather changes.
  
  

The United Nations, through the Montreal Protocol, has signatures from over 120 countries banning methyl bromide by the year 2015. The United States through the Clean Air Act is banning methyl bromide by the year 2001 with a phase out period starting in 1999. The United Nations has been encouraging companies to find a safe alternative to methyl bromide.

Until recently, there were no viable alternatives. However, one alternative now being considered by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is Telone, which is produced by Dow Elanco, a major Chemical company. Telone is a category I toxic chemical, as toxic as methyl bromide but not an ozone depletor. Telone is believed to be a known carcinogen and is very harmful to humans and animals. It is difficult to understand the rational of the (EPA), with its knowledge of consumer and environmental issues, considering such a dangerous product for approval as a replacement for methyl bromide. Telone kills nematodes but not fungus, or weeds.

The only viable replacement for methyl bromide at this time is Champon’s 100% Natural Soil Treatment. Our product kills nematodes, fungus, microorganisms and weeds. It biodegrades and helps the beneficial microorganisms return back to the soil to help plant growth. Our product also kills the weeds that could cause plant destruction.

Our product is made from all Natural Chemicals and is approved by the EPA as a low toxic chemical, which is harmless to humans and animals. The benefit of our product to the farmer is that there are no equipment changes required, no increased costs, and no chance of toxic contamination. Our product will benefit the world, because it has no effect on the ozone layer, it is a non toxic, biodegradable, made from Natural Chemicals, and meets the requirements of the EPA, the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, the Clean Air Act, and the EPA Office of Children Safety Protection.