Bromomethane Research Paper

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Bromomethane commonly referred to as methyl bromide is an organohalide compound with chemical formula CH3Br. Bromomethane originates from both natural and human sources. It is manufactured for agricultural and industrial use by reacting methanol with hydrobromic acid: H-Br + CH3OH -> CH3Br + H2O. In the ocean, marine organisms are estimated to produce 56,000 tons annually. The production method for naturally occurring bromomethane is unknown but originates from some species of algae and kelp. Bromomethane gas is part of a natural biogeochemical process involving terrestrial and oceanic sources and sinks. Although the oceans are a huge natural source of CH3Br a large amount of marine life also is responsible for the decomposition of this organohalide …show more content…

It damages the nervous system, lung, nasal mucosa, kidney, eyes, and skin on contact. Central nervous system effects include blurred vision, mental confusion, numbness, tremors, and speech defects. Topical exposure can cause skin irritation, burns, and eye injury. Exposure to high concentrations of bromomethane causes pulmonary edema a condition where excess fluid builds up in the lungs. Acute exposure to high concentrations causes immediate death by central nervous system depression with respiratory paralysis and/or circulatory failure which is preceded by convulsions and a coma. The neurotoxicity of bromomethane isn’t fully understood but it is suspected to be caused from cholinesterase inhibition by the build-up of methyl phosphates in cells. While bromomethane is naturally occurring the additional bromomethane added to the atmosphere by humans contributes to the thinning of the ozone layer. Unlike when bromomethane is released to the ocean and decays quickly when bromomethane enters the atmosphere it can take several years to break down. Although the soil is covered with plastic tarps immediately after a treatment with bromomethane 50 to 95 percent of the CH3Br eventually enters the atmosphere. Bromomethane is readily photolyzed in the atmosphere to release elemental bromine, which is far more destructive to stratospheric ozone than chlorine. The thinning ozone layer allows increased UV radiation to reach the earth's surface, with potential impact not only to human health but to agricultural crops and the environment as

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