Methyl bromide (MB, bromomethane, chemical formula CH3Br) is a
very toxic fumigant gas. Itwas employed as a fire extinguisher fromthe
late 18th century till the 1950s because of its lack of flammability and
heavier-than-air properties. Introduced as an insecticide in 1932,
today is exclusively used either for industrial methylation of synthetic
compounds or as a fumigant for the control of nematodes, fungi, and
weeds in greenhouses, warehouses, ships and mills. It is a colourless,
non-inflammable, and highly volatile substance and exists in the gaseous
phase at normal pressures and temperatures. It has poor warning
properties because it is odourless and therefore has been associated
with numerous instances of intoxication, despite a lachrymatory agent