Problem
Overdependence on methyl bromide
Nature:
Methyl bromide is classed as an ozone-depleting substance because it damages the stratospheric layer that protects people, plants and animals from solar radiation, which can produce skin cancer and eye cataracts. The gas is believed to be responsible for ten percent of damage to the ozone layer and is also a greenhouse gas. Methyl bromide is a halon gas used as fumigant, sterilizing soil and killing pests on fruit and vegetables in storage. Exporters of agricultural produce, especially in the Third World, depend heavily on methyl bromide for cheap pest control.
Broader Problems:
Brominated chemicalsFumigants as pesticidesOverproduction of atmosphere-destabilizing gases Strategies:
Phasing-out ozone depleting substancesCombatting ozone depletionMonitoring ozone depletionDeveloping ozone-kind products Subject(s):
Fundamental Sciences → Inorganic chemical compoundsFundamental Sciences → Organic chemical compounds
Societal Problems → Dependence
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST