Health risks by bromomethane and other toxic gases in import cargo ship containers.
Containers are increasingly used for the worldwide transport of all kinds of goods. Consistent with national and international regulations on pest controls, a growing proportion of these containers undergoes fumigation. Frequently, the prescribed labelling is missing. According to literature, this situation may lead to accidents and represents a significant health risk to dock workers, inspectors and custom workers. Furthermore, warehouse workers and even consumers may come in contact with these toxic fumigants. Presented measurement data underline this health risks due to bromomethane but also due to other fumigants and, surprisingly, due to further noxious gases. So far, no routine method for sensitive and specific measurements on the spot has been available. The consequences of container fumigation should always be carefully weighed up, and alternatives to pesticides, e.g. heat treatment or atmospheres with reduced oxygen and for high CO2 concentrations should be considered. In addition, stringent international controls as well as sanctions if IMO's "Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships" are disregarded are required.
Baur
Xaver
X
Institute of Occupational Medicine, Hamburg Port Health Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany. baur@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Yu
Fang
F
Poschadel
Bernd
B
Veldman
Wim
W
Vos
Tosca Knol-de
TK
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005651:Fumigation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D009326:Naval Medicine; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D010575:Pesticides / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011356:Product Labeling; D019064:Product Packaging; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012767:Ships
D000393:Air Pollutants; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D010575:Pesticides; C005218:methyl bromide; C100187:chloropicrin