Product Name: Methyl Bromide
Chemical Name: Bromomethane
Synonyms: Monobromomethane, MeBr
CAS Number: 74-83-9
Recommended Use: Soil fumigant, quarantine applications, pest control in agricultural settings
Manufacturer Contact Details: Companies that produce and distribute this chemical often list emergency telephone numbers and physical addresses for rapid communication in case of spills or exposure
Emergency Phone Number: Local poison control centers, manufacturer’s 24-hour hotline, regional hazardous material response
UN Number: UN 1062, regulated for transport by land, sea, and air
Classification: Acute toxicity (inhalation) Category 2, Skin and eye irritant, Specific organ toxicity (repeated exposure), Possible carcinogen
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if inhaled, causes skin and eye irritation, repeated exposure can damage the nervous system, suspected carcinogen, flammable gas
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing gas, use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, wear protective equipment, prevent release to the environment, wash skin thoroughly after handling
GHS Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, health hazard
Potential Health Effects: Shortness of breath, headaches, vomiting, dizziness, numbness, seizures at high concentrations
Environmental Impact: Ozone-depletion, toxic risks for aquatic life if released into waterways
Chemical: Methyl Bromide
Concentration: 98–100% by weight
Impurities: Trace water, hydrogen bromide, stabilizing agents (depending on manufacturer)
Formula: CH₃Br
Molecular Weight: 94.94 g/mol
Inhalation: Immediately move the affected individual to fresh air, keep them warm and at rest, if breathing stops perform artificial respiration, seek urgent medical attention
Skin Contact: Quickly take off contaminated clothing and wash skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, do not reuse garments until properly decontaminated, get medical help
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lift upper and lower eyelids, seek eye specialist as soon as possible
Ingestion: Not a standard exposure route due to volatility, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention
Special Guidance for Physicians: Symptomatic treatment is critical, monitor for pulmonary edema, neurological effects, support organ function, oxygen therapy as indicated
Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or alcohol-resistant foam, do not apply water directly on leaking gas
Specific Hazards: Releases toxic gases such as hydrogen bromide and carbon monoxide when burned, gas can collect in low-lying areas and ignite
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective gear
Firefighting Procedures: Remove cylinders from fire area if it can be done safely, cool exposed containers with water spray, prevent runoff from entering water sources
Personal Precautions: Evacuate non-essential personnel, ventilate the area, minimize skin and respiratory exposure, wear chemical-resistant gear and supplied-air respirators
Environmental Precautions: Avoid direct release to the environment, in case of spill, contain and absorb vapor using inert materials, prevent entry into waterways, drains, soils
Cleanup Methods: Isolate spill, stop leak if possible without risk, use explosion-proof equipment, evacuate area, atmospheric testing recommended before area reentry, collect residual with absorbents suited for chemicals, ventilation required
Safe Handling: Use closed systems or adequate local exhaust ventilation, avoid all contact with skin, eyes, or clothing, never breathe vapor, do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling
Safe Storage: Store in tightly closed cylinders, upright, in well-ventilated, cool, dry areas away from sunlight, ignition sources, heat, incompatible materials such as ammonia, alkalis, and oxidizers
Storage Classification: Toxic compressed gas, regulated under hazardous material standards
Special Instructions: Inspect cylinders regularly for leaks or corrosion, use appropriate signage and security to prevent unauthorized access
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): OSHA: 20 ppm (ceiling); NIOSH REL: 1 ppm TWA
Engineering Controls: General and local exhaust ventilation to keep exposures below recommended limits, gas detectors may be installed
Personal Protective Equipment: Positive pressure supplied-air respirator or self-contained unit for high levels, impervious gloves, chemical splash goggles and face shield, full-body suit rated for gas exposure
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, do not bring contaminated clothing home, periodic health monitoring suggested for routine handlers
Physical State: Colorless gas at room temperature, easily liquefied
Odor: Slightly sweet, chloroform-like smell
Boiling Point: 3.6°C
Melting Point: -93.6°C
Vapor Pressure: 1430 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3.3 (air = 1)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, miscible with organic solvents
Specific Gravity: 1.73 (liquid, 0°C)
Flash Point: Not flammable under standard conditions; forms flammable mixtures with air
Evaporation Rate: Rapid under normal conditions
Viscosity: Not applicable due to gas state
Chemical Stability: Stable in sealed containers, decomposes on standing in presence of moisture
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sunlight, sparks, open flames
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, strong oxidizers, powdered metals, ammonia, alkalis, aluminum, magnesium
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen bromide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methyl radicals
Risk of Hazardous Polymerization: Polymerization not expected under normal handling
Acute Toxicity: LC50 (rat, inhalation): 3024 ppm for 4 hours
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged exposure causes damage to central nervous system, kidneys, lungs
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation (primary), dermal, ocular
Symptoms of Overexposure: Headache, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, numbness, tremors, seizures, visual disturbances, respiratory failure
Carcinogenicity: Not confirmed in humans but classified as IARC Group 3 (not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity)
Reproductive Effects: May cause adverse effects on fertility at high exposures
Mutagenicity: Evidence in in vitro studies, long-term impacts under investigation
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, toxic to fish and invertebrates
Ozone Depletion Potential: Significant ozone-depleting substance, regulated under the Montreal Protocol
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent, breaks down in atmosphere over months, reacts with sunlight
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic life
Mobility in Soil: Rapid volatilization from surface soils, risk to groundwater limited
Other Effects: Toxicity limits wider application, some spills lead to long-term environmental monitoring
Waste Treatment Methods: Chemical incineration with afterburner and scrubber, return unused gas to supplier for recycling or disposal
Packaging Disposal: Decontaminate and return empty cylinders for reuse where regulations allow, never attempt to puncture or incinerate residue-containing containers
Legal Requirements: Comply with regional, national, and international hazardous waste regulations
Precautions: Never discharge into drains, surface water, or soil
UN Number: 1062
Shipping Name: Methyl Bromide, Compressed
Transport Hazard Class: 2.3 (Toxic Gas)
Packing Group: Not applicable
Label(s) Required: Toxic gas, environmental hazard
Transport Regulations: Restrictions apply for air, sea, and overland shipping, special documents and route planning may be required
Special Precautions: Protect containers from mechanical damage, do not transport with food, feeding stuff, or oxidizers
U.S. EPA Status: Listed under Clean Air Act as a Class I ozone-depleting substance, regulated use and phase-out by 2030 for non-quarantine applications
OSHA: Classified as hazardous, strict workplace exposure limits enforced
International Regulations: Controlled under the Rotterdam and Montreal Protocols, prohibited in many countries except for critical use exemptions
Other Requirements: Detailed safety training for handlers and emergency teams, strict storage and use records, notice to local authorities before large-scale use
Right-to-Know Laws: Community notification and safety data availability mandated in some jurisdictions
