Methyl bromide is a gas often used in agricultural practices as a fumigant. In addition, it is also one of the main chemicals responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer. As a result, the Montreal Protocol has scheduled methyl bromide to be phased out of use by 2005 in industrialized countries. The pesticide was scheduled to be phased out in 2001 in the U.S., but the date was pushed back by Congress due to pressure by the agricultural industry.
Many states have lax pesticide-use reporting requirements.
Furthermore, the absence of regulations regarding use of the fumigant can result in methyl bromide drifts, which expose community residents unknowingly. More than 9 million pounds of methyl bromide are used per year in Florida. Lung irritation, pulmonary edema, convulsions, and coma characterize acute poisoning from methyl bromide. The onset of neurological signs and symptoms may be delayed for from several hours to a few days after exposure. In order to reduce the chance of exposure, some areas require warning signs and buffer zones between fields and properties where people are active like schools and homes.