This volume includes the transcript of the U.S. Congress subcommittee hearing held in June 2003 that discussed the status of the compound methyl bromide as it pertains to the Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. The Clean Air Act is a U.S. federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level. Methyl bromide (MeBr) is an odorless, colorless gas that has been used as a soil fumigant and structural fumigant to control pests across a wide range of sectors. Because MeBr depletes the stratospheric ozone layer, the amount of MeBr produced and imported in the U.S. was reduced incrementally until it was phased out completely by January 1, 2005, pursuant to the U.S.'s obligation under the Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act.

Written by international experts in the field, this book sets outthe scientific arguments for and against the use of methyl bromidewhich is both naturally occurring and also a man-made productbelieved to have played a significant role in the depletion of theozone layer. Methyl bromide is a widely used fumigant in agriculture,horticulture and the preservation of structural materials. The fateof this natural and man-made chemical is the focus of much fiercedebate with scientific, political, social, environmental andeconomic arguments for and against the production and use of thischemial. This book does not set out to convince the reader of apredetermined viewpoint. Its purpose is to set out the scientificdebate covering the major relevant fields including agriculture,atmospheric chemistry, oceanography, environmental sciences,chemistry, biology and toxicology, as well as two chapters onpotential alternatives to methyl bromide. The authors who havecontributed to this book are all experts who have played pivotalroles in the international debate on methyl bromide.

Methyl bromide, a potent pest control chemical, was identified as an ozone depleting substance (ODS) in 1972. The phase out of this toxic chemical presents a special challenge. To replace methyl bromide, users around the world must have access to reliable and useful technical information. This publication was produced by the United Nations Environment Programme to promote the methyl bromide phase out. It allows the reader to carefully and thoroughly assess many available alternatives and decide on the best option for their situation. The publication also provides addresses of suppliers and specialists in alternatives; references and websites; and contacts for implementing agencies.