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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. |

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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)
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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 CFCs (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.
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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.
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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.
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The
only viable replacement for methyl bromide at this time
is Champons 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.
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Global Methyl
Bromide Pre-Plant Soil Fumigation
Usage of Methyl Bromide
for Preplant soil Applications by Country (1996)
Country |
Methyl
Bromide
Consumption
(metric tons) |
Methyl
Bromide
Consumption
(lbs.) |
United
States |
15,839 |
34,908,054 |
Japan |
6,345 |
13,984,380 |
Italy |
6,000 |
13,224,000 |
Israel |
2,800 |
6,171,200 |
Spain |
2,670 |
5,884,680 |
France |
1,428 |
3,146,342 |
Brazil |
1,260 |
2,777,040 |
Turkey |
950 |
2,093,800 |
Mexico |
900 |
1,983,600 |
Zimbabwe |
765 |
1,686,060 |
Morocco |
480 |
1,057,920 |
Other |
8,461 |
18,648,044 |
Total Pre-plant |
47,897 |
105,565,120 |
Sources: UNEP 1995, ICF 1997.

Worldwide
Pre-plant Soil Usage
- Pre-plant consumption of methyl bromide in
developed and developing countries combined is
approximately 48,000 tons annually and represents
over 70 percent of total methyl bromide consumption.
Developed countries consume approximately 82 percent
and Article 5 countries consume approximately
18 percent of total pre-plant methyl bromide consumption
annually.
- The United States, Italy, Japan, Israel, and
Spain are the largest consumers of methyl bromide
for pre-plant soil applications. Together, these
countries comprise nearly 70 percent of methyl
bromide consumption for this end use.
- Article 5 countries with the largest annual
consumption of methyl bromide for pre-plant soil
applications include Brazil, Turkey, Mexico, Zimbabwe,
and Morocco. Other Article 5 countries with significant
pre-plant methyl bromide usage include Jordan,
Egypt, Argentina, Costa Rica, Kenya, and Chile.
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Copyright © 2005 by Champon Millennium Chemicals, Inc. |
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