Which fumigant is known for its high toxicity and is commonly used against household pests?

Which fumigant is known for its high toxicity and is commonly used against household pests?

• A. Methyl bromide
• B. Phosphine
• C. Ethylene oxide
• D. Carbon disulfide

Answer: (A)

Methyl bromide is a highly toxic fumigant that has been widely used in pest control, especially against a variety of household pests such as termites and stored product pests. Its effectiveness and broad-spectrum action make it a popular choice for fumigation. Due to its high toxicity, methyl bromide presents significant health risks to humans and non-target organisms, which has led to increased regulations and restrictions on its use in many countries. The chemical works by disrupting the nervous system of pests, making it particularly effective but necessitating careful handling and application measures to minimize risks associated with exposure. While phosphine also exhibits high toxicity and is effective against pests, it is primarily used in grain storage and is less commonly applied in household settings compared to methyl bromide. Ethylene oxide is primarily used for sterilization purposes, particularly in medical settings, and carbon disulfide is rarely used due to its own health risks and is more associated with industrial applications. Therefore, methyl bromide is recognized specifically for its role in fumigating homes and other structures against a range of pests, establishing it as the correct answer in this context.

Methyl bromide is a highly toxic fumigant that has been widely used in pest control, especially against a variety of household pests such as termites and stored product pests. Its effectiveness and broad-spectrum action make it a popular choice for fumigation.

Due to its high toxicity, methyl bromide presents significant health risks to humans and non-target organisms, which has led to increased regulations and restrictions on its use in many countries. The chemical works by disrupting the nervous system of pests, making it particularly effective but necessitating careful handling and application measures to minimize risks associated with exposure.

While phosphine also exhibits high toxicity and is effective against pests, it is primarily used in grain storage and is less commonly applied in household settings compared to methyl bromide. Ethylene oxide is primarily used for sterilization purposes, particularly in medical settings, and carbon disulfide is rarely used due to its own health risks and is more associated with industrial applications. Therefore, methyl bromide is recognized specifically for its role in fumigating homes and other structures against a range of pests, establishing it as the correct answer in this context.