Re: methyl bromide
- To: i*@Rt66.com
- Subject: Re: methyl bromide
- From: s*@ento.csiro.au (Simone Clark)
- Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 10:46:11 +1100
Here in Australia we have used Methyl Bromide in the past to fumigate soil
and stored grain, but it is currently being phased out and I think its use
will be totally banned from next year. Australia is a signatory to United
Nations conventions to reduce the output of ozone depleting gasses and takes
it very seriously. CFCs are completely banned.
I am originally from Tasmania (the large island at the bottom of Australia)
and the hole in the ozone layer has caused a marked change in the quality of
sunlight there over the last few years. Going outside without sunscreen even
if its only 20°C you can feel the sun burning after only five minutes. This
was not the case only 10-15 years ago when you could gradually build up a
tan without burning.
Australia already has the highest rate of skin cancers in the world without
the hole in the ozone layer so I can only implore you to lobby both
goverment and growers to stay clear of its use. I used to work in a grain
fumigation laboratory so I also have a healthy fear of Methyl Bromide as a
poison -it was probably the nastiest gas we worked with -it kills everything.
Sorry to be so holier than thou
Simone Clark
simoner@ento.csiro.au
>I don't know if the rest of the members of this list are aware of the
>controversery surrounding Methyl Bromide. Living on the central coast of
>Calif. where the strawberries growers plant hundreds of acres that are first
>covered with big tarps (real big tarps) and hoses pump in Methyl Bromide to
>sterilize the soil, it is a big issue. So you ask WHY do we as iris lovers
>and growers care> I am told by the bigger iris growers in this area that by
>sterizing your fields with Methyl bromide before you replant iris you get
>more increase. Is this common in other areas? How about the big Cooley or
>Schreiners fields? This stuff is real toxic not only to humans but to the
>ozone layer. I have to admit my prejudice. I am an organic gardener. I quit
>the Dahlia society because I couldn't grow perfect dahlias without
>insecticide to kill the earwigs that put holes in the flowers. This relates
>to the other thread about AIS sanctioned shows and the competitive spirit of
>perfection. What are the feelings of the other folks here.
>_________________________________
>Karin Hinsen seconfid@mtnweb.com
>Central coast of California
>
>
>
