Severe Illness from Methyl Bromide Exposure at a Condominium Resort--U.S. Virgin Islands, March 2015.

On March 22, 2015, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) was notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of four cases of suspected acute methyl bromide toxicity among family members vacationing at a condominium resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Methyl bromide is a pesticide that has been banned in the United States for use in homes and other residential settings. An investigation conducted by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH), the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), and EPA confirmed that methyl bromide had been used as a fumigant on March 18 in the building where the family had been residing, 2 days before they were transported to the hospital; three family members had life-threatening illness. On March 25, 2015, a stop-use order for methyl bromide was issued by DPNR to the pest control company that had performed the fumigation. Subsequent investigation revealed that previous fumigation with methyl bromide had occurred on October 20, 2014, at the same condominium resort. In addition to the four ill family members, 37 persons who might have been exposed to methyl bromide as a result of the October 2014 or March 2015 fumigations were identified by VIDOH and ATSDR. Standardized health questionnaires were administered to 16 of the 20 persons for whom contact information was available; six of 16 had symptoms consistent with methyl bromide exposure, including headache and fatigue. Pest control companies should be aware that use of methyl bromide is banned in homes and other residential settings, and clinicians should be aware of the toxicologic syndrome that exposure to methyl bromide can cause.

Disinfection in the laboratory: theory and practice in disinfection policy in late C19th and early C20th England.

This article examines the relationship between theory and practice in nineteenth century English public health disinfection practice. Disinfection undertaken by local authorities and practised on objects, spaces and people became an increasingly common public health practice in the last quarter of the nineteenth century, and was part of a newly developed public health system of 'stamping out' disease as described by Hardy. Despite disinfection's key role in public health policy, it has thus far not received significant investigation or historiographical attending. This article explores the development of disinfection policy at local level, highlighting that despite commentators assumptions that increasingly exacting standards of disinfection required professional oversight rather than that of the 'amateur' public, there was a significant gap between laboratory based knowledge and evidence derived from practical experience. Laboratory conditions could not replicate those found in day-to-day disinfection, and there were myriad debates about how to create a mutually understandable scientific standard for testing. Despite increasing efforts to bring local disinfection in line with new ideas promulgated by central government and disinfection researchers, the mismatches between the two meant that there was greater divergence. This tension lay at the heart of the changes in disinfection theory and practice in the second half of the nineteenth century, and illustrate the complexities of the impact of germ theory on public health policy.

Use of chlorine dioxide gas for the postharvest control of Alternaria alternata and Stemphylium vesicarium on Roma tomatoes.

BACKGROUND: Tomatoes and potatoes are the top produce affected in terms of value lost in the USA. Postharvest losses can occur anywhere from the time of harvest to the consumers' decision to eat or discard the food. These data support the importance of finding sustainable strategies to minimise food waste and preserve resources. This study evaluated the potential application of chlorine dioxide gas (ClO2 ) technology to control the postharvest spoilage of Roma tomatoes by Alternaria alternata and Stemphylium vesicarium. RESULTS: Data analysis showed that exposure time was a significant factor for fungal disease control (P < 0.05). After 3 min of treatment, mycelial growth was completely inhibited for A. alternata and S. vesicarium. Similar results were observed for conidial germination. The efficacy of ClO2 treatments was also studied under in vivo conditions. While untreated Roma tomatoes developed white moulds and black spots after 5 days of storage, produce decay was significantly (P < 0.05) delayed after 5 and 7 min treatments for S. vesicarium and A. alternata respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of ClO2 in the food industry is regulated by both the FDA and the EPA. Currently, only acidified sodium chlorite solutions are approved for the control of micro-organisms in water used to wash fruits and vegetables. No direct applications of ClO2 gas on fresh fruits and vegetables can be found in the regulations. More data are required by the two agencies to demonstrate that residues of ClO2 on produce surfaces are acceptable for human consumption.

The occurrence of bromide in herbal drugs: is there a need for a Ph. Eur. limit?

This contribution provides an overview on the current legal requirements regarding limits for bromide and presents data on the actual bromide burden of commonly used herbal drugs. Evaluation of an extensive data base shows that results exceeding the limit of 50 mg/kg are found in specific plants which take up bromide to a high extent from the environment. Thus, positive findings of bromide in herbal drugs do not necessarily serve as a proof for methyl bromide treatment. Taking into account the ADI recommended by EMA and WHO, there are no toxicological concerns with regard to the intake of herbal teas, extracts or comminuted herbal drugs at therapeutic doses. Furthermore, the use of methyl bromide and other fumigants must be documented within the batch documentation. If stated in the batch documentation that no fumigation was carried out, it is not necessary to perform the test on bromide. In cases of a particular suspect and if toxicological concerns exist, additional testing can be performed in accordance with the limits set by Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005. For the above reasons, information obtained by performing the test on bromide is not significant for the assessment of quality. Therefore, it seems no longer necessary to maintain bromide in Ph. Eur. general chapter 2.8.13. Pesticide residues and it is recommended to delete it from Table 2.8.13.-1.

Effects of phosphine and methyl bromide fumigation on the volatile flavor profile and sensory quality of dry cured ham.

In separate experiments, randomized complete block designs with three replications were utilized to evaluate the effects of phosphine (PH(3)) (0, 200 and 1000ppm for 48h) and methyl bromide (MB) (0, 4, 8, 16, and 32mg/L for 48h) fumigation concentration on the volatile flavor compound concentrations in dry cured ham. Minimal differences existed (P>0.05) in the presence and concentration of aroma active compounds in both PH(3) and MB fumigated hams but sulfur and oxidation compounds were more prevalent (P<0.05) in the fumigated treatments when compared to the control. As phosphine fumigation concentration increased, the residual concentration of phosphine also increased in the hams (P<0.05), but all samples contained levels that are lower than the legal limit of phosphine allowed in stored food products (0.01ppm) in the United States. A triangle test (n=56) indicated that consumers could not discriminate (P>0.75) between the control hams and those that were fumigated with PH(3). Minimal aroma/flavor differences existed among MB, PH3 and control hams, and dry cured ham that was fumigated with PH(3) was safe for consumption based on residual phosphine concentrations in the meat tissue.

National emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for ethylene oxide commercial sterilization and fumigation operations--EPA. Interim final rule.

Today's action suspends the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Ethylene Oxide Commercial Sterilization and Fumigation Operations (EO NESHAP) requirements for chamber exhaust and aeration room vents. The suspension allows affected sources subject to the EO NESHAP to defer compliance with the NESHAP requirements for chamber exhaust and aeration room vents for one year until December 6, 1999. This suspension does not affect the requirement for sources subject to the EO NESHAP to comply with provisions for sterilizer vents by December 6, 1998. This action does not change the level of the standards or the intent of the NESHAP promulgated in 1994.

Neuropsychological sequelae of methyl bromide: a case study.

Methyl bromide (MB) is a pesticide used primarily as a fumigating agent for homes, storage vehicles and soil. Chronic exposure to MB is known to cause damage to the central nervous system and other organs. Previously published post-mortem studies have also revealed significant brain abnormalities in patients whose deaths were attributed to MB. Only one study to date has examined the neuropsychological effects of this potential neurotoxin. The present case report documents the events surrounding an incident of acute and subacute MB exposure following home fumigation and the neuropsychological after-effects associated with that exposure. Behavioural and cognitive correlates of CNS dysfunction revealed by the neuropsychological testing included impairments in concentration, information processing, learning and memory. Emotional sequelae appeared to be a secondary problem associated with fears over physical well-being and impaired cognition. The cognitive symptomatology did not abate after completion of litigation and award of compensation.