Fumigation Chemicals

Fumigation Chemicals

Fumigation chemicals are pesticides that are in a gaseous state during application, or that release a gas to act within an enclosed space. The active substance that may be used depends on the target pest, the commodity, the temperature, the packaging structure, the treatment area and the regulations of the country concerned.

Common fumigant groups

• Phosphine: Considered in particular for stored grain and certain dry commodities, within the limits of the applicable registration and label conditions.
• Methyl bromide: A fumigant that may be used in certain official programmes, including quarantine and pre-shipment treatments, which depletes the ozone layer and is strictly controlled.
• Sulfuryl fluoride: A colourless and odourless gas that is acceptable in specific commodity, structural and biosecurity programmes.
• Ethyl formate: An option accepted in some country and pest programmes, subject to defined formulation and concentration conditions.

How is the chemical selected?

Even for the same pest, the same fumigant cannot be used across every commodity group. Food legislation, residue limits, the way the commodity absorbs and releases the gas, interaction with metal or electronic components, temperature and the exposure period must all be assessed.

In export operations it should also be remembered that the destination country may accept only certain active substances, treatment schedules and certificate formats.

Core principles of safe use

• Using only a registered product, or one accepted under an official programme
• Working on the basis of the label and the safety data sheet
• Having the volume and the conditions calculated by an authorised applicator
• Using appropriate respiratory protection and gas measurement instruments
• Completing aeration at the end of the treatment and taking safe re-entry measurements
• Preparing the treatment records and documents in full

Important warning

Fumigation chemicals are not general purpose products that can be applied by the end user. Choosing the wrong product or method can cause serious harm to human health, to the commodity, to the environment and to the acceptance of the shipment. Technical decisions must be made by professional teams in line with current legislation and the product label.

Sources: IPPC (ISPM 15, ISPM 43), Republic of Turkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, UNEP Ozone Secretariat, US EPA, Australian DAFF and New Zealand MPI official sources.