The Methyl Bromide Issue

Methyl Bromide is a naturally occurring compound but also a man–made product, widely used as a fumigant in agriculture, horticulture and the preservation of structural materials. It is also believed to play a significant role in the depletion of the ozone layer. Since 1991, a fierce debate has raged on the relative merits of scientific, political, environmental and economic arguments for and against the use of this chemical. This book does not set out to convince the reader of a predetermined view point. Its purpose is to set out as much of the scientific debate as is possible to date and let the reader weigh up the available evidence. In this volume are covered the major relevant fields of science including agriculture, atmospheric chemistry, oceanography, environmental sciences, chemistry, biology and toxicology, as well as two chapters on potential alternatives to methyl bromide. The authors who have contributed to this book are international experts who have played pivotal roles in the international debate on methyl bromide.