methyl bromide

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, poisonous gas, CH 3 Br, used chiefly as a solvent, refrigerant, and fumigant and in organic synthesis.

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methyl bromide British  

noun

1. a colourless poisonous gas or volatile liquid with an odour resembling that of chloroform, used as a solvent, and extinguishant. Formula: CH 3 Br

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Etymology

Origin of methyl bromide

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Use of the gas surged after sales of another fumigant called methyl bromide were sharply curtailed because of the harm it caused to the ozone layer.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2024

In 2004, chemical manufacturers began to phase out methyl bromide, another chemical widely used to fumigate soils, because it harms Earth’s ozone layer.

From Science Magazine • May 25, 2023

About 20 states now regulate the use of methyl bromide in log fumigation, according to the Southern Environmental Law Center.

From Washington Times • May 4, 2023

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, methyl bromide also is a neurotoxin that can cause lung disease, convulsions, comas and ultimately death.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 27, 2023

They mandate a standardized stamp showing materials have been treated with either heat or the highly toxic methyl bromide fumigant.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2022