| GHS classification | DangerH301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]P203, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, P501, and P502 (click each P-code to see the statement)H221 (45.8%): Flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]P203, P210, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P318, P319, P320, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P377, P381, P391, P403, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, P501, and P502 (click each P-code to see the statement) |
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| Hazards Identification | Toxic/poison by inhalation (TIH/PIH) |
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| Regulatory information | Chemical: Methane, bromo-Hazard Traits - Developmental ToxicityHepatotoxicity and Digestive System ToxicityNephrotoxicity and Other Toxicity to the Urinary SystemNeurotoxicityReproductive ToxicityRespiratory ToxicityCommission Regulation (EC) No 33/2008Methane, bromo- is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Methane, bromo- are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)Methyl bromide is listed in the dataset of EPA Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides under the Safe Drinking Water Act (40 eCFR 141)Status: Active Update: 22-04-2021 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/5298 |
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| Other safety information | IMAP assessments - Methane, bromo-: Environment tier II assessment |
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| DOT label | Poison Gas |
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| Fire hazards | When heated to decomposition, it emits toxic fumes of bromides. Hazardous polymerization may not occur. (EPA, 1998)· Some may burn but none ignite readily.Combustible under specific conditions. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with aluminium, zinc, magnesium or oxygen. |
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| Fire potential | Not ordinarily combustible except in the presence of high heat or strong oxidizers.Mixtures of 10-15% with air may be ignited with difficulty. |
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| Health hazards | Methyl bromide is a dangerous cumulative poison with delayed symptoms of central nervous system intoxication that may appear as long as several months after exposure. High concentrations can produce fatal pulmonary edema. Chronic exposure can cause central nervous system depression and kidney injury. It may cause severe and permanent brain damage. Severe neurological signs may appear when there is a sudden exposure to high concentrations following continuous slight exposure. Methyl bromide has practically no odor or irritating effects and therefore no warning, even at hazardous concentrations. (EPA, 1998)· TOXICmay be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. |
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| Hazards summary | Bromomethane is a manufactured chemical. It also occurs naturally in small amounts in the ocean where it is formed, probably by algae and kelp. It is a colorless, nonflammable gas with no distinct smell. Other names for bromomethane are methyl bromide, mono-bromomethane, and methyl fume. Trade names include Embafume and Terabol. Bromomethane is used to kill a variety of pests including rats, insects, and fungi. It is also used to make other chemicals or as a solvent to get oil out of nuts, seeds, and wool.Methyl bromide is used as a fumigant and pesticide. Exposure may occur during fumigation activities. Methyl bromide is highly toxic. Studies in humans indicate that the lung may be severely injured by the acute (short-term) inhalation of methyl bromide. Acute and chronic (long-term) inhalation of methyl bromide can lead to neurological effects in humans. Neurological effects have also been reported in animals. Degenerative and proliferative lesions in the nasal cavity developed in rats chronically exposed to methyl bromide by inhalation. Chronic inhalation exposure of male animals has resulted in effects on the testes at high concentrations. EPA has classified methyl bromide as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.Liquid causes second degree burns after contact for a few minutes[CHRIS] Corrosive to skin[Quick CPC] Methyl bromide is a neurotoxic gas that can cause convulsions, coma, and long-term neuromuscular and cognitive deficits. Exposure to high concentrations of pure methyl bromide may cause inflammation of the bronchi or lungs, an accumulation of fluid in the lung, and irritation of the eyes and nose. [ATSDR Medical Management] Methyl bromide causes liver injury in acute inhalation studies of laboratory animals. [ACGIH] Acts as an alkylating agent of glutathione and other cellular moleculesPoor warning properties, so 2% chloropicrin often added[Olson, p. 321-2] Effects on the CNS, kidneys, and lungs (possible lung edema after inhalation)[ICSC]The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of methyl bromide stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic by all routes (ie, inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption), exposure to this colorless, nearly odorless gas may occur from its use as a fumigant for soil, grain and other commodities, as a solvent, methylating agent, and extracting agent. Effects from exposure may include contact burns to the skin and eyes, dizziness, headache, nausea, respiratory irritation, ventricular fibrillation, pulmonary edema (sometimes delayed 4 to 5 days), convulsions, coma, and death. The OSHA PEL is set at a ceiling limit of 20 ppm, with a notation that skin contact is to be prevented. The ACGIH has recommended a TWA of 5 ppm. Levels should be controlled by local exhaust ventilation, with a continuous monitoring system to warn of excursions. In activities or situations where over-exposure may occur, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece, and full chemical protective clothing (including gloves and boots) which is specifically recommended by the shipper or producer to prevent skin contact with methyl bromide. If contact should result, immediately flush affected skin or eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes at the site. While methyl bromide does not ignite easily, it may burn with the production of irritating and poisonous gases. Also, containers may explode violently in the heat of a fire. Fires involving methyl bromide may be extinguished with dry chemical, CO2, Halon, or standard foam. Water spray, if used, should be applied with caution because it may cause frothing. Dike runoff from fire-control water. Methyl bromide should be stored in dry, well-ventilated areas, away from sources of ignition, direct sunlight, and sources of physical damage. Choice of containers should take into account methyl bromide's reactivity with aluminum, magnesium, tin, zinc, and other alloys. Certain methods of shipment are forbidden for methyl bromide. Consult with the regulatory requirements of the US Department of Transportation for detailed shipping and labelling instructions. If methyl bromide should spill or leak from a small container or pressurized cylinder, first remove ignition sources, then ventilate the spill area and stop the leak. Isolate the area 75 feet in all directions from the spill. For a large spill, water spray or mist may be necessary to knock down vapor. Dike any surface flow with soil or sandbags to keep the material out of water sources or sewers. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash or cement powder. Before implementing land disposal of waste methyl bromide, consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance. |
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| DOT ID and guide | 1062 123 |
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| Reactive group | Halogenated Organic Compounds |
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| EC classification | Symbol: T, NR: 23/25-36/37/38-48/20-68-50-59S: (1/2)-15-27-36/39-38-45-59-61 |
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| UN classification | UN Hazard Class: 2.3 |
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| Fire fighting | Full protective clothing, including self-contained breathing apparatus, coat, pants, gloves, boots, and bands around legs, arms, and waist should be provided. No skin surface should be exposed. Move container from fire area if you can do it without risk. Fight fire from maximum distance. Dike fire control water for later disposaldo not scatter the material.Shut off supplyif not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with appropriate extinguishing agent. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. |
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| First aid measures | Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention.Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer immediately for medical attention.Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention. |
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| Accidental release measures | · CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.· Do not touch or walk through spilled material. |
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| First aid | Warning: Effects may be delayed for hours to days. Caution is advised.General First Aid:(General first aid procedures) |
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| Safe storage | Fireproof if in building. Separated from strong oxidants, aluminium and cylinders containing oxygen. Cool. Ventilation along the floor. |
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| Exposure control and personal protection | · Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].1.0 [ppm] |
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| Fire fighting procedures | Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.Use water spray to cool unopened containers.Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products. Extinguish fire using agent suitable for surrounding fire. Use flooding quantities of water as fog. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.For more Fire Fighting Procedures (Complete) data for Methyl bromide (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
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| Storage conditions | Poison gas. Color Code-Blue: Health Hazard/ Poison: Store in a secure poison location. Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Before entering confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store in well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Maintain temperature below 40 °Cavoid heat sources. Protect against physical damage. A regulated, marked area should be established where this chemical is handled, used, or stored in compliance with OSHA Standard 1910.1045.Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Contents under pressure. Refrigerate before opening. Storage class (TRGS 510): Gases.Fireproof if in building. Separated from strong oxidants, aluminum and cylinders containing oxygen. Cool. Ventilation along the floor.Store away from heat or flame since contents are pressureized.Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Outside or detached storage is preferred for cylinders. Isolate from active metals. |
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| Cleanup methods | If in a building, evacuate building and confine vapors by closing doors and shutting down HVAC systems. Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Ventilate area of spill or leak to disperse the gas. Wear chemical protective suit with self-contained breathing apparatus to combat spills. Stay upwind and use water spray to "knock down" vaporcontain runoff. Stop the flow of gas, if it can be done safely from a distance. If source is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. Keep this chemical out of confined spaces, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. If employees are required to clean up spills, they must be properly trained and equipped. OSHA 1910.120(q) may be applicable.ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Clean up promptly by sweeping or vacuum.Spillage Disposal: Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid.Releases may require isolation or evacuation. Approach release from upwind. Stop or control the leak, if this can be done without undue risk. Use water spray to cool and disperse vapors and protect personnel. Control runoff and isolate discharged material for proper disposal. |
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| Nonfire spill response | Remove all ignition sources. Ventilate area of spill or leak, stop flow of gas or remove leaking cylinder to open air and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. If material is in the liquid form, allow it to vaporize. Stay upwind, keep out of low areas. Use water spray to reduce vapors. (EPA, 1998) |
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| Disposal methods | Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U029, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this materialContaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.Controlled incineration with adequate scrubbing and ash disposal facilities.For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for Methyl bromide (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
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| Spillage disposal | Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. |
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| Toxicological information | CDC-ATSDR Toxicological Profile |
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| Body burden | ... Methyl bromide has been responsible for deaths that usually occur from its accidental inhalation during fumigation. ... an accidental fatality that occurred after methyl bromide seeped through underground conduits from a fumigated building to an adjacent guest house on the same property. ... The initial serum bromide was 27 mg/dL. Postmortem analysis detected methyl bromide concentrations of 2.9 mg/dL in the blood, 1.7 mg/dL in the bile, 24 ug/g in the liver, and 28 ug/g in the adipose tissue. ... |
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| Treatment | EYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water.
INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice.
SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention.
INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration. |
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| Cancer Sites | [in animals: lung, kidney & forestomach tumors] |
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| Interactions | After exposure to 63, 125, 188, or 250 ppm methyl bromide for eight hours in rats, concentrations as low as 63 ppm enhanced the sleep-inducing potency of thiopental, but methyl bromide exerted no effect on thiopental metabolism. The body temperature and body weight gain were decreased at exposure to concentrations of 125 ppm or higher, and locomotor activity was reduced at 188 ppm or higher. These effects were reversible24 hr after the exposure, locomotor activity and body temperature were almost the same as in control rats. |
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| Target organs | Neurological (Nervous System), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)GastrointestinalEyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system |
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| Health effects | Bromomethane is highly toxic. Studies in humans indicate that the lung may be severely injured by the acute (short-term) inhalation of bromomethane. Acute and chronic (long-term) inhalation of bromomethane can lead to neurological effects in humans. Neurological effects have also been reported in animals. Degenerative and proliferative lesions in the nasal cavity developed in rats chronically exposed to bromomethane by inhalation. Chronic inhalation exposure of male animals has resulted in effects on the testes at high concentrations. Studies in humans indicate that the lung may be most severely injured by the acute inhalation exposure of bromomethane. The kidney is also sensitive to bromomethane. Anuria and proteinuria are common signs of renal injury in acutely exposed humans. |
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| Ecotoxicity values | LD50Species: /Colinus virginianus/ (Northern bobwhite) oral 73 mg/kg (95% confidence limit: 62.5-125 mg/kg) /from table/LC50Species: Lepomis macrochirus (bluegill)Conditions: static bioassay, freshwater, 23 °C, mild aeration applied after 24 hrConcentration: 11 ppm for 96 hrSpecies: Menidia beryllina (tidewater silverside)Conditions: static bioassay, synthetic seawater, 23 °C, mild aeration applied after 24 hrConcentration: 12 ppm for 96 hrSpecies: Coleoptera (various weeville and beetles)Concentration: 4.505 mg/L for 24 hrFor more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for Methyl bromide (26 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
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| Environmental fate | TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), reported Koc values of 9 to 22(2) indicate that methyl bromide is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of methyl bromide from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 7.34X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(3). Methyl bromide is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 1620 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). In soil, chemical reactions, likely nucleophilic substitutions on soil organic matter, were identified as the predominate pathway through which methyl bromide was degraded(5). Methyl bromide reacts rapidly with aniline, a model used to simulate reactions with organic matter in soilthe degradation half-life of methyl bromide with aniline was 2.9 days at 24 °C(5). The oxidation of 14C-methyl bromide to 14CO2 was measured in field experiments with soils fumigated with mixtures of methyl bromide and chloropicrin. Degradation of methyl bromide by chemical and/or biological processes accounted for 20 to 50% of the loss of methyl bromide during fumigation(6) with the remainder of methyl bromide loss due to volatilization(SRC).TERRESTRIAL FATE: Methyl bromide, applied to undisturbed soil samples volatilized >75% in the first 48 hours(1). Methyl bromide was not detected in any of the soil column leachates throughout the 23 week study. Negligible quantities of soil gas methyl bromide were detected after 7 days. Bromide ion concentration increased in the leachate from a background level of 0.01 ug/g to 0.4 ug/g within the first rain event, peaked at a concentration of 4.3 ug/g in 3 weeks and then decreased with subsequent rain events. This study showed that methyl bromide will degrade in the soil before it will leach through the soil profile(1).AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), reported Koc values of 9 to 22(2) indicate that methyl bromide is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 7.34X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.0 hours and 3.9 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.19(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Hydrolysis is expected to be an important environmental fate process based on a rate constant of 4.1X10-7/sec(8), corresponding to a half-life of 20 days under environmental conditions (pH 5 to 9). Utilizing a sludge test, 17% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 4 weeks(9) indicating that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), methyl bromide, which has a vapor pressure of 1620 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a gas in the ambient atmosphere. Gas-phase methyl bromide is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC)the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 1.5 years(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.9X10-14 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3) Methyl bromide absorbs UV light at wavelength 200 nm(4,5) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis since sunlight consists of wavelengths above 290 nm(SRC). Upward diffusion of methyl bromide to the stratosphere is believed to be the dominant loss mechanism of this compound from the troposphere(5). In the stratosphere, into which lower wavelength light can penetrate, photolysis is expected to be the predominant removal mechanism for methyl bromide(6). |
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| Food survey values | Methyl bromide was found infrequently in leaf and stem vegetables(1). Reported methyl bromide residues in fumigated wheat, flour, raisins, corn, sorghum, cottonseed meal, rice, and peanut meal were reduced to <1 mg/kg within a few days(2). No residual methyl bromide was found in asparagus, avocados, peppers, or tomatoes after two-hour fumigation at 320 mg methyl bromide/cu m air(2). Only trace amounts were present in wheat flour and other products fumigated at 370 mg/cu m methyl bromide after nine days of aeration(2). Methyl bromide residues in longhorn cheese (outer 1/4 inch) were between 62 and 78 mg/kg after 0.5 hr of ventilationbetween 40 and 54 mg/kg after 4 hr of ventilationand between 20 and 29 mg/kg after 24 hr of ventilation(3). |
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| Adverse effects | Neurotoxin - Other CNS neurotoxin |
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| Exposure routes | The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin also as a vapour.inhalation, skin absorption (liquid), skin and/or eye contact (liquid)Oral (L626)inhalation (L626)dermal (L626) |
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| RCRA requirements | U029As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when methyl bromide, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5). |
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| TSCA requirements | Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Bromomethane is included on this list. Effective date: 6/1/87Sunset date: 6/1/97. |
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| FIFRA requirements | Tolerances are established for residues of inorganic bromides (calculated as Br) in or on the following food commodities which have been fumigated with the antimicrobial agent and insecticide methyl bromide after harvest (with the exception of strawberry):[Table#2098]Inorganic bromide may be present as a residue in certain processed food in accordance with the following conditions: (i) When inorganic bromide residues are present as a result of fumigation of the processed food with methyl bromide or from such fumigation in addition to the authorized use of methyl bromide on the source raw agricultural commodity, as provided for in this part, the total residues of inorganic bromides (calculated as Br) shall not exceed the following levels: (A) 400 parts per million in or on egg, dried and herb, processed and spice. (B) 325 parts per million in or on cheese, parmesan and cheese, roquefort cheese. (C) 250 parts per million in or on tomato, concentrated products and fig, dried fruit. (D) 125 parts per million in or on processed food other than those listed above. (ii) When inorganic bromide residues are present in malt beverage, fermented in accordance with 21 CFR 172.730(a)(2), the amount shall not exceed 25 parts per million (calculated as Br). (iii) Where tolerances are established on both the raw agricultural commodities and processed food made therefrom, the total residues of inorganic bromides in or on the processed food shall not be greater than those designated in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, unless a higher level is established elsewhere in this part.Tolerances are established for residues of inorganic bromides (calculated as Br) as follows: (i) 400 parts per million for residues in or on dog food, resulting from fumigation with methyl bromide. (ii) 125 parts per million for residues in or on processed commodities for animal feedstuffs from barley, corn, grain sorghum, oat, rice, rye and wheat, resulting directly from fumigation with methyl bromide or from carryover and concentration of residues of inorganic bromides from fumigation of the grains with methyl bromide.A tolerance with regional registration, as defined in section 180.1(n), is established for residues of inorganic bromides (calculated as Br) in or on the following food commodity grown in soil fumigated with methyl bromide. Ginger, post harvest.For more FIFRA Requirements (Complete) data for Methyl bromide (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
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| Atmospheric standards | This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Methyl bromide is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Methyl bromide is included on this list. |
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| CERCLA reportable quantities | Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1,000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV.D.3.b).Releases of CERCLA hazardous substances are subject to the release reporting requirement of CERCLA section 103, codified at 40 CFR part 302, in addition to the requirements of 40 CFR part 355. Methyl bromide is an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts in excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 1,000 lbs. |
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| Clean Water Act requirements | For the maximum protection of human health from the potential carcinogenic effects due to exposure to bromomethane, the ambient water concentration should be zero based on the non-threshold assumption for this chemical. However, zero level may not be attainable at the present time. Therefore, the levels which may result in incremental increase of cancer risk over the lifetime are estimated at 1X10-5, 1X10-6 and 1X10-7. The corresponding recommended criteria are 1.9 ug/l, 0.19 ug/l, and 0.019 ug/l, respectively. If the above estimates are made for consumption of aquatic organisms only, excluding consumption of water, the levels are 157 ug/l, 15.7 ug/l, and 1.57 ug/l, respectively.Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Halomethanes (including methyl bromide)/ |
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| State drinking water guidelines | (AZ) ARIZONA 0.19 ug/L(MA) MASSACHUSETTS 10 ug/L(MN) MINNESOTA 10 ug/L(WI) WISCONSIN 10 ug/L |
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| Federal Drinking Water Standards | Bromomethane is listed in the 2018 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories Tables. |
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| Federal drinking water guidelines | EPA 10 ug/l |
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| UN transport number | UN 1062 |
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| Hazard class | 2.3 |
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