-2- 
fumigant which is a gas at room temperature and normal a tano spheric 'pres- 
sure, It presents no fire or explosion hazard. Because of the great 
density of the gas, it is necessary to provide .means for mixing it 
adequately with the air. 
Like other fumigants highly toxic tc insects, methyl bromide is 
also toxic to nan, and adequate precautions must be taken in its use. 
Irish and coworkers ( 53 ) stated in 1940 that the literature records 4-2 
definite cases of methyl bromide poisoning, of which 12 proved fatal. 
It v/as earlier believed that the toxic action ras due to splitting of 
the methyl bromide in the body to form methanol and inorganic bromide, 
and that the methanol caused the poisoning,, It now appears, however, 
that methyl bromide exerts a toxic action of its own. It is more toxic 
than any of the closely related halides, such as methyl chloride and 
ethyl bromide. It has a delayed effect, the symptoms often not appear- 
ing until hours, or even a day or more, after exposure „ In mild ca.scs 
the usual symptoms are disturbance of equilibrium, double- vision, head- 
ache, and vertigo. In acute cases delirium, loss of consciousness, epi- 
leptiform convulsions and sometimes death occur. After recovery from 
severe poisoning there may be persistent neurasthenia for years. 
Biblioj 
The. references on methyl bromiVe -presented in this publication 
have been collected for the benefit of entomologists and others inter- 
ested in the control of pests by chemical means. Only references to 
the insecticide], use of the compound and to its toxicity to man and 
animals have been included, except for a few patents or articles giv- 
ing directions for the preparation of methyl bromide or for its deter- 
mination in air or fumigated materials. They have been obtained mainly 
from the following abstract journals through 1940: Chemical Abstracts, 
Review of Applied Entomology (A), Biological Abstracts, Chemisches 
Zcntralblatt, and Quarterly Cumulative Index Medicus. 
ArTOMMOUS. (1) 
Organic halogen compounds. [Gt, Brit.] Dcpt. Sci, and Indus. Res., 
•Methods for the Detection of Toxic Gases in Industry, Leaflet 12, 
6 pp. 1940. 
Injuries from breathing industrial vapors containing a number 
of organic halogen compounds, including methyl bromide, arc discus- 
sod, and the procedure for detecting them is described. The only 
simple method is the use of a 'halide detector lamp which burns pure 
ethyl alcohol and causes the decomposition of the various compounds. 
The halogen reacts with a small copper screw in the nozzle of the 
lamp to form copper halide, which imparts a green' coloration to the 
flame j the degree of coloration depends upon the nature of the or- 
ganic halide and upon its concentration in the air. Directions 
for handling the lamp, carrying out the tests, and interpreting the 
results arc given. An experienced operator is needed, and he mil 
have to get accustomed to the surroundings before he is certain of 
getting accurate results. The lamp cannot be used whon inflammable 
'a present. 
