Kentucky Pesticide Education Program

copyright © 2016 University of Kentucky Department of Entomology

Example Fumigants

Phosphine Gas
(Aluminum Phosphide, Magnesium Phosphide)
Phosphine is a mobile gas that can disperse to all parts of a storage structure or enclosure. This highly toxic gas
kills animals and humans by disrupting respiration and metabolism. In addition, phosphine gas will corrode
certain metals and may ignite spontaneously at concentrations above its lower flammable limit of 1.8%
volume/volume (18,000 ppm).

Aluminum phosphide and magnesium phosphide are space, commodity, and rodent burrow
fumigants. Formulations include pellets, tablets, prepacs, prepac ropes, bags, and plates. These solids react
with moisture in the air to produce phosphine gas. The process starts slowly, gradually accelerates, and then
slows as the product is spent.

Phostoxin pellets (photo: ecvv.com)

The odor of this colorless gas has been described as similar to garlic or decaying fish. Formulations that include
ammonium carbonate release carbon dioxide and ammonia. Carbon dioxide reduces the fire hazard, while
ammonia is a warning agent. Phosphine is slightly (1.2 times) heavier than air so it will not move evenly
through solid storage, such as a grain bin. One or more fans are need to mix the fumigant with air.
Magnesium phosphide also reacts faster with water to release phosphine gas but the process is faster than
with aluminum phosphide. Consequently, magnesium phosphide products are formulated into strips or
blankets that can be placed very quickly. This application method usually is not used to fumigate stored
grain. However, magnesium-phosphide products effectively fumigate warehouses and processing
plants. Since magnesium phosphide is more reactive, it can be used to fumigate under cooler and/or drier
conditions.

Magtoxin® sheeted stacks (photo: apolimantikiltf.gr)

A phosphine fumigation period must be long enough to provide adequate pest control and to allow for
more or less complete reaction of the product with moisture in the air. Applicator and worker exposure is
minimized if little or no unreacted phosphide remains.

The minimum length of the fumigation period varies with formulation and exposure conditions (see table
below). Generally, insects are more difficult to control and the rate of phosphine gas production is reduced at
lower temperatures and humidity.

Temperature (°F) Minimum exposure periods for aluminum phosphine (days)

Pellets Tablets

40 Do not fumigate Do not fumigate

41-53 8 10

54-59 4 5

60-68 3 4

Above 68 2 3
The fumigant dose is based on the total volume of the space being treated, not on the amount of commodity
present. Lengthening the fumigation period will not increase insect control if the structure is not carefully
sealed or if gas distribution is poor. Exposure periods in the table may not be adequate to control all stored
products pests under all conditions, nor will they always provide for total reaction.

Some structures must be completely covered with tarpaulins for fumigation; those that cannot be properly
sealed by any means should not be fumigated. Apply additional fumigant if phosphine concentrations drop
below an effective level. Follow the requirements for the minimum number of workers and use proper
respiratory protection if re-entry into the treated structure is required.

After decomposition, aluminum phosphide leaves a gray-white powder composed almost entirely of
aluminum hydroxide and other inert ingredients. There is no problem with fumigant added directly to a
commodity such as grain. However, spent powder must be retrieved for disposal after a space fumigation. If
properly exposed, the spent fumigant will normally contain only a small amount of unreacted aluminum
phosphide and may be disposed of without hazard.

Spent fumigant powder (photo: Degesch America, Inc.)

Low humidity, cool temperatures, shortened exposure periods, or cases where more fumigant is added
during the fumigation may result in partially spent material. This residue must be deactivated prior to
disposal. Improper disposal of excess pesticide is a violation of Federal Law.
Personal Protection - Phosphine

Applicators should wear dry cotton gloves if contact with tablets, pellets, or dust is likely. The gloves should
remain dry during use. Wash hands thoroughly after handling the product. Aerate potentially contaminated
used gloves and other clothing in a well-ventilated area prior to laundering.

Wear dry cotton gloves if contact with product is likely

(photo: Degesch America, Inc.)

Respiratory protection is required when the concentration of phosphine in the air is unknown or if it
exceeds the Permissible Exposure Limit (> 0.3 ppm). A NIOSH/MSHA approved full-face gas mask with a
phosphine canister may be used at levels up to 15 ppm. An approved self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) must be worn if the concentration is above 15 ppm or if the phosphine concentration is unknown.

Full-face respirator (photo: ULINE) and SCBA (photo: Scott Safety)

Certified applicators must be present and are responsible for all workers

A Certified Applicator must be physically present, responsible for, and maintain visual and/or voice contact
with all fumigation workers during:

1) the opening of the product containers and application. The applicator does not need to be physically
present once the application is complete and the structure has been secured.

2) during the initial opening of the fumigated structure for aeration. The applicator does not need to be
physically present once the aeration process is secured and monitoring has established that aeration can be
completed safely. A trained person can complete the process and remove the placards.

3) Persons with documented training in the handling of phosphine products must be responsible for
receiving, aerating, and removing placards from vehicles that have been fumigated in transit.

Gas Detection

Gas detection devices

(photo: Gas Detection Warehouse)

Several gas detection devices can measure phosphine gas concentrations. Glass detection tubes used with the
appropriate hand-operated air sampling pumps are widely used. These inexpensive devices are simple to use
and provide accurate relatively rapid results. In addition, electronic devices are available for both low level and
high phosphine gas readings.
Placarding of Fumigated Areas

Placards must be placed at all entrances to the fumigated structure. They must be able to withstand adverse
weather conditions and must have the following wording:

The signal words DANGER/PELIGRO and the SKULL AND CROSSBONES symbol in red.

“Structure and/or commodity under fumigation, DO NOT ENTER/NO ENTRE”.

“This sign may only be removed by a certified applicator or a person with documented training after
the structure and/or commodity is completely aerated (contains 0.3 ppm or less of phosphine gas)”.

If an incompletely aerated commodity is transferred to a new storage structure, the new structure must also be
placarded if it contains > 0.3 ppm phosphine. Worker exposure during the transfer must not exceed allowable
limits.

The date the fumigation begins.

Name and EPA registration number of fumigant used.

Name, address and telephone number of the Fumigation Company and/or applicator.

A 24-hour emergency response telephone number.

Leakage from Fumigated Sites

Phosphine gas is highly mobile. Given enough time, it may penetrate seemingly gas-tight materials. Check
adjacent enclosed areas that may be occupied to ensure that significant leakage has not occurred. Sealing the
fumigated site and/or increasing airflow in the occupied areas must be sufficient to bring down the
phosphine concentration to a safe level (< 0.3 ppm).
Aeration and Re-entry

Aerate the fumigated structure before allowing anyone to enter. Be sure that gas leaving the treated
commodity does not produce areas with unacceptable levels of phosphine. Do not allow anyone to re-enter
treated areas until the level of phosphine reaches 0.3 ppm or below unless they are protected by an approved
respirator.

Bin aeration fan (photo: Feed&Grain.com)

Sulfuryl Fluoride
Sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane) is used to fumigate closed structures and their contents for drywood and
Formosan termites, wood-infesting beetles, bed bugs, carpet beetles, clothes moths, cockroaches, and
rodents. It breaks down in the insect's body to release fluoride, which interferes with the insect’s ability to
maintain energy. Without energy, the insect dies in a few days. Insect eggs are less susceptible to sulfuryl
fluoride than other life stages.

Sulfuryl fluoride is a respiratory irritant that also affects the central nervous system of mammals and humans.
It is non-flammable, non-corrosive, and does not react with materials to produce odors or residues. Although
the gas is only slightly toxic by inhalation, it poses an acute hazard because it is odorless and colorless. For
this reason, occupants must leave the structure before the fumigation begins and stay out until the gas is
removed.

Sulfuryl fluoride gas is introduced into enclosed structures to fill all air spaces and to penetrate cracks, crevices,
and pores in wood. It penetrates materials quickly and dissipates rapidly during ventilation. To be effective,
the fumigant must be contained for a sufficient time; therefore, workers must place a tent around the structure
during the fumigation. Sulfuryl fluoride is heavier (1.35 times) than air.

The warning agent chloropicrin (tear gas) must be released into the structure/ area to be fumigated at least 5
to 10 minutes before introduction of the fumigant.
Protective Clothing

Wear splash resistant goggles or full-face shield when handling the liquid fumigant during introduction or
when working around any lines containing the fumigant under pressure. Do not wear gloves or rubber boots.
Do not reuse clothing or shoes contaminated with the liquid fumigant until thoroughly aerated. Wear loose
fitting or well-ventilated long-sleeve shirt, long pants, shoes and socks.

Respiratory Protection

Special monitoring equipment is needed to use sulfuryl fluoride. No respiratory protection is required if the
gas concentration in the fumigated area, as measured by a suitable detection device, does not exceed 5 parts
per million. If the minimum allowed concentration is greater than 5 ppm or is unknown, all persons in the
fumigated area must wear a NIOSH or MSHA approved positive pressure self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) or combination air-supplied/SCBA. The SCBA must be on site and operational before
fumigation.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) makes up about 0.0004% in the air that we breathe. It is 1.5 times heavier than air. When
used as a fumigant, its concentration must be increased to about 40%-60% of the air volume.

CO2 tank
(photo: GrowersHouse.com)

Structures fumigated with CO2 must be airtight and there must be a way for displaced air to
escape. Consequently, CO2 usually is used in a facility designed for closed-loop fumigation. It has
exchangers designed to remove air and introduce the fumigant, which is recirculated through the structure.

Fumigating with CO2 is generally safer than with other chemicals. However, a breathing apparatus is needed
for re-entry into a structure during fumigation and for anyone who reenters a structure that contains levels
of CO2 higher than 5% of the air volume. A SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) must be
worn because canister gas masks do not work for CO2.

Even though CO2 does not leave a residue, there are concerns that it will change the flavor of products made
from some fumigated vegetables, malting barley, or other porous grains.