Why the world is moving away from methyl bromide
Methyl bromide has been a standard quarantine fumigant for decades. Its use for quarantine and pre-shipment (QPS) treatment is still exempt from the Montreal Protocol phase-out, even though it is a potent ozone depleting gas.
The Ozone Secretariat’s 2026 report to the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures says around 10,000 tonnes a year have been used for QPS over the last decade. Reported QPS consumption rose from 7,660 tonnes in 2023 to 7,832 tonnes in 2024. More than 85 per cent of the methyl bromide used is vented directly to the atmosphere after treatment. The report notes that a proposed cut to the worker exposure limit from 5 ppm to 1 ppm in countries including Australia is expected to significantly reduce its feasibility and use.
The health risks are serious. SafeWork NSW warns that methyl bromide is highly toxic and difficult to smell. Short term exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision and convulsions. High concentrations can be fatal, and long term exposure can cause loss of muscle function and memory impairment. Fumigators, quarantine contractors and people unpacking containers are most at risk.
Safer alternatives are now being adopted. DAFF has approved ethyl formate for BMSB treatment, and UBL’s Fume8 technology is built around on-site ethyl formate delivery.
Read more:
Report by the Ozone Secretariat, CPM 2026 | IPPC
Methyl bromide | SafeWork NSW
