Fumigation Applications

Fumigants

The chemicals from which poisonous gas is provided are called fumigants. Although there are many fumigants, the most used ones in our country are Methyl bromide and Aluminum phosphide being very effective fumigants. Also, the preparations containing the effective agent of Dichlorvos having fumigant properties are used for fight against the pests in the warehouses.

Methyl bromide (CH3 Br) is a fumigant served in liquid form under high pressure inside the containers like tubes, tin can etc. It is spread as colorless and odorless gas to the ambient as it is released from the pressure.

The upsides of the Methyl bromide are its non-flammability, conversion into gas form in very low temperatures, fast spreading, and penetration on the material via adsorption. Methyl bromide includes 2% Chloropicrin in the preparations since the gas is colorless and odorless. Chloropicrin with its property causing tear and burning feel in the eyes is used as the stimulant gas in fumigation applications.

The fumigants with the effective agent of Aluminum phosphide are packed in solid form tablets, pellets or sachets. These fumigants are also called fumigants with the effective agent of Magnesium phosphide or Aluminum phosphide. The fumigant releases Hydrogen phosphure (PH3) spread in the environment around one hour later from the contact with the humidity in the air. Such gas is a flammable gas with the smell of carbide or garlic and burning the nasal passage when inhaled. However, releasing ammoniac (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to the environment as the extinguishers shall allow to control flammability of the hydrogen phosphure.

The preparations with the effective agent “Dichlorvos” are pesticides served in emulsion form. Dichlorvos is particularly spread in the hot environments and affects the pests via inhaling in addition to contact effect. However, Dichlorvos does not penetrate inside the material and has no effect in egg laying period.  Therefore it is different from classical fumigants. It is only effective for the pests being around the products.