Methyl bromide fumigant lethal to Bacillus anthracis spores.

* Methyl bromide (MB) is widely used as an insecticide, nematicide, herbicide, and fungicide.

* It is used on agricultural soils, foodstuffs, and structures.

* Most vegetables and fruits are tolerant of concentrations that are effective against target pests.

* Because it is highly penetrating, it is often used for quarantine fumigations.

* The study reported here examined the effectiveness of MB against Bacillus anthracis ANR-1.

* B. anthracis spore deposits were reduced by over 7 lo[g.sub.10], to below the limit of detection ([greater than or equal to]80 mg/L).

* Mortality occurred at 64 and 48 mg/L of MB.

* Concentrations lower than 48 mg/L showed no effect.

* The study also tested the effectiveness of MB against three commonly used B. anthracis surrogates.

* Geobacillus stearothermophilus was slightly more sensitive to MB than was Bacillus anthracis.

* Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus atrophaeus spores both showed a dose-dependent reduction in spore numbers.

* They were not reduced below detection level, however, by any MB concentration tested.

* A field validation of MB sporicidal activity was conducted in 50 different locations within a 850-[m.sup.3] structure in Big Pine Key, Florida.

* Locations included

-- electronics,

-- wall voids,

-- appliances,

-- attic insulation,

-- carpeting, and

-- furniture fabric.

* None of the fumigated materials showed any visible or functional signs of damage.

* There was no lingering odor in the structure.

* No MB residues were detected three days after the 48-hour fumigation.

* Use of MB to decontaminate areas affected by bioterrorist attacks has several potential advantages:

-- MB is a U.S. EPA-registered structural fumigant; personnel trained in its use are available nationwide.

-- Decontamination is rapid, occurring within 48 hours.

-- MB is a noncorrosive alkylating agent and does not damage food, furnishings, documents, or even sensitive electronic equipment.

-- Extensive preparation of the contaminated item is not required; all furnishings or other internal structures or items may remain in place.

-- MB leaves no residue.

* The results also indicate, however, that common Bacillus anthracis surrogates are inappropriate for demonstrating the efficacy of MB fumigation.

* On the one hand, the sensitivity of Geobacillus stearothermophilus to MB would lead to a possible assumption of total clearing that may not exist.

* On the other hand, the increased resistance seen in Bacillus thuringiensis would lead to an assumption of continued contamination when no contamination exists.

This department, Practical Stuff! originated from you, our readers. Many of you have expressed to us that one of the main reasons you read the Journal of Environmental Health is to glean practical and useful information for your everyday work-related activities. In response to your feedback, we dedicate this section to you with salient points to remember about two to three articles in each issue.