Its symptoms mimic those of the common cold. Methyl bromide is a powerful oxone depleter. At least 18 people in California have died from exposure to methyl bromide from 1982 to 1990. Over 450 illnesses have been attributed to it along with birth defects. It is toxic to the central nervous system and can damage lungs, kidneys, and possibly cause cancer.
Direct exposure can lead to headaches, blurred vision, nausea, and dizziness.
Alternatives are already used by many California farmers and pest control companies. They are much healthier for people, much safer for the environment, and do not deplete the ozone. An Impact Assesment, or a closer reading of the report indicated the study to be deliberately deceptive. A study done by a Washington D.C. group which focuses on pesticides, the Environmental Working Group, stated that Decoto Elementary in Union City had the highest exposure to Methyl Bromideof any California elementary school within a 1.4 mile radius of places which apply the pesticide. Concerns about the use of this pesticide arose when Governor Wilson called a special session of the Legislature in December to postpone a bill to ban of the use of Methyl Bromide.