In 1999, an estimated 71,500 tonnes of synthetic methyl bromide were used annually worldwide. 97% of this estimate was used for fumigation purposes, whilst 3% was used for the manufacture of other products. Moreover, 75% of the consumption used to take place in developed nations, led by the United States (43%) and Europe (24%). Asia and the Middle East combined to use 24% whereas Latin America and Africa had the lowest usage at 9%. ISPM 15 markings on a pallet from China. The MB indicates the wood has been fumigated with methyl bromide to kill pests. Until its production and use was curtailed by the Montreal Protocol,<unk>  was widely applied as a soil sterilant, mainly for production of seed but also for some crops such as strawberries and almonds. In commercial large-scale monoculture seed production, unlike crop production, it is of vital importance to avoid contaminating the crop with off-type seed of the same species. Therefore, selective herbicides cannot be used. Although<unk>  is dangerous, it is considerably safer and more effective than some other soil sterilants. Its loss to the seed industry has resulted in changes to cultural practices, with increased reliance on soil steam sterilization, mechanical rogueing, and fallow seasons.<unk>  was also used as a general-purpose fumigant to kill a variety of pests including rats and insects.<unk>  has poor fungicidal properties.<unk>  is the only fumigant allowed (heat treatment is only other option) under ISPM 15 regulations when exporting solid wood packaging (forklift pallets, crates, bracing) to ISPM 15 compliant countries.<unk>  is used to prepare golf courses, particularly to control Bermuda grass. The Montreal Protocol stipulates that<unk>  use be phased out.<unk>  is also a precursor in the manufacture of other chemicals as a methylating agent.<unk>  was once used in specialty fire extinguishers, prior to the advent of less toxic halons, as it is electrically non-conductive and leaves no residue. It was used primarily for electrical substations, military aircraft, and other industrial hazards. It was never as popular as other agents due to its high cost and toxicity.<unk>  was used from the 1920s to the 1960s, and continued to be used in aircraft engine fire suppression systems into the late 1960s. A selection of stored-pressure<unk>  fire extinguishers, circa 1930s-40s, UK
Bromomethane
Chloroethane
Trihalomethane
Perfluoroisobutene
Dichloromethane
Ethanol
Perfluorooctanoic acid
3-Chloropropanoic acid