Methyl Bromide Labels 

Table 1 summarizes the differences between existing methyl bromide (MB) 

labels and MB manufactured after October 1, 2016. For more detailed 

information, refer to the Treatment Manual. 

Table 1 MB Label Comparison 

Existing MB Labels Instructions 2016 MB Labels Instructions 

1. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) 

required when MB air concentrations are ≥5 ppm. 

No respirator requirements when air concentrations are below 5 ppm. 

SCBA still required when MB air concentrations are ≥5 

ppm; however, when concentrations are between 1 and 

5 ppm, air-purifying respirators with a cartridge certified 

for protection from MB at concentrations up to 5 ppm 

(specifics are described in the label) must be worn (or 

SCBA). 

2. Only SCBA respirator users must be fit tested 

and fit checked. Fit testing for other respirator 

equipment were not discussed because they 

were not required. 

All respirator users must be fit tested, fit checked, and 

examined by a qualified medical practitioner to ensure 

physical ability to safely wear the style of respirator worn. 

3. MB detection devices (Draeger and other colorimetric tubes) are permitted to have a detection 

limit of 5 ppm. 

MB detection devices must have a detection limit of 0.5 

ppm. CPHST recommends one labeled device for PPQ 

use, the Rae® Systems MiniRae 3000. PPQ Field Operations Raleigh hub will distribute the devices to each State 

Plant Health Director for further distribution to PPQ field 

offices. 

4. Exposure to MB air concentrations between 1 

ppm and 5 ppm is not required to be monitored. 

Exposure to MB air concentrations must be monitored 

for persons not wearing respirators but working in an 

area where concentrations are between 1 and 5 ppm. 

These workers are subject to Work Time Restrictions of 1 

ppm over an 8 hour work period. The exposure time is 

reduced to 90 minutes when concentrations are between 

3 and 5 ppm. No monitoring required if concentrations 

fall below 1 ppm. 

5. When not wearing respiratory equipment, air concentration monitoring is performed as appropriate 

to ensure concentrations do not exceed 5 ppm. 

No respiratory equipment necessary. 

When air concentrations are between 1 and 5 ppm and 

respiratory equipment with cartridges are worn (i.e. not 

SCBA), then monitoring must be performed every hour 

(unless a continuous real-time detection device is 

installed) to ensure that concentrations do not exceed 5 

ppm. 

04/2023 MB Label Comparison 1 
References 

Table 1 MB Label Comparison (continued) 

Existing MB Labels Instructions 2016 MB Labels Instructions 

6. The label does not require buffer zones. PPQ 

requires buffer zones of 30 feet during treatment 

and 200 feet during the first 10 minutes of aeration. 

The label requires buffer zones. The contracted fumigator will determine and communicate to PPQ officers the 

buffer zones for each enclosure based upon EPA’s Buffer 

Zone Table. This table is calculated based on enclosure 

size, dosage, and height of exhaust stack. If the buffer 

zones fall within PPQ’s standard 30/200 ft buffer zone, 

then PPQ officers will continue to use PPQ’s existing buffer zones, bearing in mind the new respirator requirements for lower air concentrations. 

7. Aeration for Section 18 Treatments: PPQ must 

ensure that aeration is conducted properly. Aeration period ends when concentrations in the 

exhaust ducts fall to 5 ppm; no minimum aeration 

time is required. 

Aeration for Non-Section 18 Treatments: The 

fumigator is responsible for following aeration 

requirements. 

Aeration for Section 18 Treatments: PPQ must ensure 

that aeration is conducted properly. Aeration period ends 

when concentrations in the air space around the commodity fall to 5 ppm AND a minimum of 4 hours for active 

aeration (mechanical fan) OR 12 hours for passive aeration (no fan) has elapsed. 

Aeration for Non-Section 18 commodities: The fumigator remains responsible for following aeration requirements. 

References 

EPA Methyl Bromide Commodity Fumigation Buffer Zone Lookup 

Tables 

EPA Archive “Report of Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) Tolerance 

Reassessment and Risk Management Decision (TRED) for methyl 

bromide, and Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Methyl 

Bromide’s Commodity Uses”, dated August 2006 

USDA APHIS PPQ Treatment Manual 

2 MB Label Comparison 04/2023