Chemical name: Methane, bromo-

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Pesticide

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Severely Restricted

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

All applications except those mentioned below.

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

The following two applications on the basis of methyl bromide were extended until 1. 12. 2001: "Methyl bromide 100 voor ruimte ontsmetting" and "Holland fumigation methylbromide". These applications concern space fumigation by means of gas evaporation and are only permitted in gasproof spaces under very strict regulations.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes

Summary of the final regulatory action:

In 1981, the use of methyl bromide as a soil disinfectant was prohibited. Based on Article 16 a of the Dutch Pesticide Law of 1962, an exemption could, however, be granted based on individual requests. in the following period of time, the policies of the Government aimed at a further decrease in the use of methyl bromide. In 1992 methyl bromide was completely banned for use as a soil disinfectant. In 1996, two space fumigation products on the basis of methyl bromide were extended until 1 Decemebr 2001.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health and environment

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

By the end of 1980 the occurrence of methyl bromide in a number of private drinking water pipes, in combination with new toxicological data (a number of positive mutagenicity tests) caused the start of regulatory actions. In addition, there was a concern about safety aspects related to storage, transport and use of methyl bromide (possibility of emission to air) and the leaching potential (leaching to surface water or groudwater). In the Netherlands groundwater can be used for drinking water and therefore groundwater must remain free from pesticides (precaution principle).

In later years, the effect on the ozone layer became also subject of concern. Methyl bromide and bromide (active bromine species) are thought to be partly responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer. Methyl bromide is included in the Protocol of Montreal.

At present, the use of methyl bromide is restricted to space fumigation in gasproof rooms and its use has been optimised so that risks for workers have been minimised. Strict regularisation caused a reduction in emissions to air and groundwater or surface water, so that the potential risks to the general population are minimised.

At the moment there is no Dutch policy to further reduce the use of methyl bromide. Future international policy (for example to further reduce the ozone depletion) will be of influence.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health:

Prevention of contamination of drinking water derived from groundwater. minimising risks for workers and general population.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

In 1981, the use of methyl bromide as a soil disinfectant was prohibited. This application was used in greenhouses. The emission fraction from greenhouses to the surrounding surface waters was estimated at 0.1% (fraction 0.001) of the applied dose in kg/m^{3. Based on this emission value the toxicity to aquatic organisms could be ignored. In the Netherlands the use of methyl bromide as a soil disinfectant is prohibited, because of the high toxicity to aquatic organisms and the effect on the ozone layer.}

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to the environment:

Reduction of risk for the aquatic environment.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/1992