Because of its danger to human health, the use of methyl bromide as a pest control fumigant has been banned.
The ban was announced by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
In a statement by the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, methyl bromide was described as dangerous to human health.
Said the Director General: “Methyl bromide is odorless, colourless, non-corrosive and non-flammable and highly toxic to a broad spectrum of insects.
”It is a class one Ozone Depleting Substance, ODS, which depletes the ozone layer due to release of bromine atom.
“In humans, it is readily absorbed through the lungs and most problems occur as a result of inhalation.”
The NAFDAC boss said methyl bromide was capable of causing damage to the nervous
The DG said that effect of methyl bromide to the human body could take a long time before it could be noticed.
According to her, NAFDAC was already investigating those behind the importation of the pesticide which she described as dangerous.
