Methyl bromide is also a methylating agent in the chemical industry. In the past, it was used as a refrigerant and as a fire-extinguishing agent in aircraft. The chemical name for this fumigant is bromomethane. Restricted Use Pesticides may be purchased and used only by certified applicators. In humans, methyl bromide is readily absorbed through the lungs.
Most problems occur as a result of inhalation.
About 1,000 human poisoning incidents caused by methyl bromide exposure have been documented, with effects ranging from skin and eye irritation to death. Most fatalities and injuries occurred when methyl bromide was used as a fumigant. The lowest inhalation level found to cause toxicity in humans is 35 ppm in air. Methyl bromide is a dangerous cumulative poison. First symptoms often are due to damage to the nervous system, and may be delayed from 48 hours to as long as several months after exposure.