It's been awhile since I've dealt with fumigation issues, but there is
definitely great danger from the gas.

As I recall, fumigant gases are often neurotoxins and you don't want to get
ANY exposure to them. In some gases, the molecules are fat soluble, which
means the effects may be culmulative in addition to the immediate danger.

As for residue and latent off-gassing issues, I do not remember. However,
you can request and get free from the manufacturer what is called an MSDS
(material safety data sheet) which should give you useful information.

Maybe a high school or college chemistry instructor could help you with your
questions, whether or not you have an MSDS in hand.

You can ask the manufacturer of the fumigant distributor for help with your
questions. If you try and they are not helpful, it is probably because they
are taking a C.Y.A. position on the recommendation of their legal dept. It
doesn't hurt to ask and you won't know until you try asking.

There may be government sources that can help. Maybe some of the
conservators on the list have some advice.

Nancy P.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Margaret Tamulonis" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2003 11:31 AM
Subject: methyl bromide


> Hi--Any thoughts on the use of methyl bromide for a one time, before they
> arrive at the museum treatment of a varied group of artifacts?  I know its
> use is being phased out by the EPA.  Are the risks from the gas itself, or
> are there issues with residue?  Freezing is not an option because of the
> size of some of these pieces, and I do want to reduce the risk of bringing
> bugs into the building.  Thanks for any suggestions!
>
> Margaret Tamulonis
> The Robert Hull Fleming Museum
> The University of Vermont
>
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