The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was designed so that the phase out schedules could be revised on the basis of periodic scientific and technological assessments. Since the 2002 Assessment of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, a large number of technical developments have taken place. The Panel's six Technical Options Committees have each issued a 2006 Assessment Report that document these developments. The present publication contains the report on methyl bromide. Publishing Agency: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee (MBTOC) was established by parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer to identify existing and potential alternatives to methyl bromide (MB). This 2002 Assessment reports on MB usage, the quantities produced and consumed, and existing and potential alternate treatments for its use as a fumigant.

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This volume includes the transcript of the U.S. Congress subcommittee hearing held in June 2003 that discussed the status of the compound methyl bromide as it pertains to the Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. The Clean Air Act is a U.S. federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level. Methyl bromide (MeBr) is an odorless, colorless gas that has been used as a soil fumigant and structural fumigant to control pests across a wide range of sectors. Because MeBr depletes the stratospheric ozone layer, the amount of MeBr produced and imported in the U.S. was reduced incrementally until it was phased out completely by January 1, 2005, pursuant to the U.S.'s obligation under the Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act.