ProFume Gas Fumigant: A Methyl Bromide Solution

The potential for stored product pest infestations is a fact of life in any commodity, storage or processing structure, mill or food handling establishment. They need to be controlled in order to protect the integrity of the facility and the commodities produced there. Fumigation is a preferred method of control because the gas can find the pests, wherever they are hiding. For many years, methyl bromide was the fumigant of choice, but its use is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement, due to concerns about ozone layer depletion. Millers, processors and applicators are searching for replacement treatment options.

A solution
Dow AgroSciences LLC has developed ProFume* gas fumigant as a solution to the methyl bromide phase out. Industry requests for help in meeting pest management needs and cooperation with several organizations led Dow AgroSciences to pursue development of ProFume for food processing and storage facilities in the United States and Europe. ProFume can be used for fumigation of emptied cereal grain mills and storage facilities.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, in an article about methyl bromide replacements, stated: "Though sulfuryl fluoride (ProFume gas fumigant) must undergo rigorous EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) registration procedures, its approval will provide an acceptable alternative to methyl bromide, thus filling a substantial need for postharvest fumigants." ⁽¹⁾

Protecting the ozone layer
There are no ozone depletion concerns with ProFume. In 2002, the U.S. EPA awarded Dow AgroSciences the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award for its development of ProFume gas fumigant. Given annually, this award honours corporations and individuals demonstrating a commitment to ozone protection.

⁽¹⁾ Methyl Bromide Alternatives, "Sulfuryl Fluoride: The Postharvest Fumigant of the Future?" Vol 6, No. 4, October 2000

ProFume is registered in the United Kingdom, registration number MAPP 12035. ProFume contains sulfuryl fluoride.
READ THE LABEL: USE PESTICIDES SAFELY.