Why should alternative methods to Methyl Bromide be used in agriculture and fumigation specifically?
Methyl bromide is a significant ozone depleting substance. It was added to the Montreal Protocol in 1992. The Regulations EC2037/00 & EC3093/94, required reductions in methyl bromide consumption and the consumption is scheduled to be phased out in EU on 01/01/05 for the majority of its uses. In the EU countries, non chemical & chemical alternatives to methyl bromide (MB) are available and have been adopted in several uses in soil disinfestations and in post harvest sector. However, it seems that many factors are limiting a wider application & for several uses it would be not feasible to expand the use of these alternatives.
