The evidence on Methyl Bromide.

Folks,

With Viking Express Transport once again wanting to fumigate its logs with Metyhl Bromide, i thought this a good forum to examine the current evidence on the impacts of the compound.

Viking express have every right to conduct their business, and these posts will not comment on any way on the company.

However as local residents we want to be very aware of what the known and suspected effects of this compound, and how the various jurisdictions around the world legislate its use.

The aim is for us to be as informed as possible over its potential impact on the community. Arguing that it has been used in the past with impunity do not hold water as many chemicals are initially thought safe, are eventually shown to be otherwise. Asbestos and teflon being two good examples.

So to begin- The initial source and font of all knowledge, here is the wikipedia entry on the Bromomethane.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyl_bromide

Here is the Australian Workers health site on Methyl Bromide.
http://www.workershealth.com.au/facts009.html

A short summary is - is being phased out:
"In 1991 methyl bromide was defined as a chemical that contributes to
depletion of the ozone layer. Accordingly, it was decided that the
manufacture and importation of methyl bromide would be phased out
completely by January 1, 2005 in Australia. This decision is currently
under review. However, quarantine and pre-shipment uses are currently exempt. Most states require permits for application of soil fumigants."

It has a good summary of health impacts.. all fairly dire if you get exposed,... with a fairly strong statement in"The effect of methyl bromide poisoning is permanent and irreversible."

Based on this document- it is looking like the control of fumigants is down to planning permits... as there looks to be no specific Victorian EPA or federal level control. This is despite its banning in Europe etc.

Which is good news all round.

The relevant parts are:

"1...all references to fumigation be deleted from the plans
....
8. Methyl Bromide or other forms of chemical treatment must not be used to fumigate the logs that are to be stored on the site to the satisfaction of the responsible athority. "

A pdf of the planning document can be found here:
http://www.briffa.org/briffa.org_2011/News/News.html