ToxFAQsā¢ for Bromomethane
Spanish: Bromometano
CAS#: 74-83-9
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What is bromomethane?
Bromomethane (also called methyl bromide) is a colorless, odorless gas. Some bromomethane is formed in the ocean, probably by algae or kelp; after it is formed, it is likely to move into the air.
The main use of bromomethane is to make other chemicals. In the past, bromomethane was used in professional agricultural settings to control insects, rodents, and fungi. However, because bromomethane depletes the ozone layer, its production and use was phased out in the United States in 2005, and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) only allows very limited uses of bromomethane.
How can I be exposed to bromomethane?
Because bromomethane is a gas, you are most likely to be
exposed by breathing it in air.
Exposure to inhaled
bromomethane is more likely to occur in workers than in
the general population.
The general population is not likely to be exposed to
bromomethane by ingestion (eating or drinking it).
However, very small amounts of bromomethane may be
found in food and water.
The levels of bromomethane
found in the environment are
generally lower than levels
known to cause health problems.
How can bromomethane affect my health?
Breathing bromomethane can harm your respiratory tract (nose and lungs) and nervous system. In
workers, bromomethane in air has caused damage to the lungs and signs of nervous system damage, such
as dizziness, muscle weakness, and seizures. Similar effects were seen in laboratory animals. These effects
were found at higher levels than those found in the environment.
In workers, bromomethane vapor can irritate eyes and skin.
In a study in pregnant rabbits exposed by breathing bromomethane in air, offspring were smaller and had
some birth defects. However, we do not know if bromomethane causes birth defects in humans.
The effects found in animals happened at bromomethane levels much higher than what humans normally
are exposed to in the environment.
How can bromomethane affect children?
The health effects of bromomethane exposure in children are not known. However, it is expected to
cause the same effects in children as it does in adults.
Can bromomethane cause cancer?
Studies in laboratory animals breathing in or swallowing bromomethane for a long period of time did not
find any cancer.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not classified bromomethane for carcinogenicity
(causing cancer) in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the EPA have
determined that bromomethane is not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
Can I get a medical test to check for bromomethane?
A blood test is available to measure levels of bromide in the body. However, this test cannot tell you if the
bromide comes from exposure to bromomethane or bromide in other chemicals. This test cannot predict
whether you will experience any health effects. Doctor's offices do not routinely offer these tests.
How can I protect myself and my family from bromomethane?
Most people don't need to take any special steps to avoid bromomethane in their daily lives. If you live
near a place where bromomethane is used, you should avoid spending time close to the site.
For more information:
Call CDC-INFO at 1-800-232-4636, or submit your question online at
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/dcs/ContactUs/Form
Go to ATSDR's Toxicological Profile for Bromomethane:
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxProfiles/ToxProfiles.aspx?id=822&tid=160
Go to ATSDR's Toxic Substances Portal: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/index.aspx
Find & contact your ATSDR Regional Representative at https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/DRO/dro_org.html