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'1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane', better known as 'DBCP', is the active ingredient in the nematicide Nemagon, also known as Fumazone. It is a soil fumigant once used in American agriculture. After discovery of its ill effects on humans, the compound was banned from use in 1979.^[1] The contaminant remains as a ground water problem for many communities.

Contents

Uses

Sources and potential exposure

Examples of persistence

References

External links

Uses

★ Until 1977, DBCP was used as a soil fumigant and nematocide on over 40 different crops in the United States. From 1977 to 1979, EPA suspended registration for all DBCP-containing products except for use on pineapples in Hawaii. In 1985, EPA issued an intent to cancel all registrations for DBCP, including use on pineapples. Subsequently, the use of existing stocks of DBCP was prohibited.

★ DBCP is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of organic chemicals.

Sources and potential exposure

★ Human exposure to DBCP could result from the the ingestion of contaminated drinking water and food.

★ In the past, release of DBCP to the environment occurred primarily from its fumigant and nematocide uses; because of the cancellation of all DBCP uses, environmental exposure is expected to decline with time.

Examples of persistence

DBCP residues have persisted in contaminated soil and groundwater long after applications have ceased. For example in agricultural areas around Turlock, California in the California Central Valley, DBCP was applied to crops in the 1970s; as late as 1989, DBCP persistence was reported in groundwater that was previously used for beneficial purposes; numerous nearby well had to be closed at that time.^[2]

References

1. Hazard Summary at epa.gov
2. ''Environmental Screening Analysis, Tully Road Properties, Turlock, California'', Earth Metrics Incorporated, Report 7826, San Mateo, Ca., March, 1989

External links

★ Article about Nemagon use in Nicaragua