PUBLIC NOTICE - Do Not use the Illegally dumped pallets at Cooks Landing for Kupmari or Cook Up

Council is taking action against the persons/organisations that have been dumping these pallets at Cooks Landing.

Meanwhile please be aware that these pallets are treated with METHYL BROMIDE PESTICIDE, which is colourless, usually odourless, highly toxic volatile liquid or a gas. It is used as an insecticide, a rodenticide, a fumigant, a nematicide. Used in these pallets to stop termites.

Most exposures occur by inhalation and by absorption through the skin. Odour is not an adequate indicator of the presence of pure methyl bromide and does not provide reliable warning of hazardous concentrations. Because pure methyl bromide lacks adequate warning properties, significant exposure can occur before symptoms are evident.

Methyl bromide is 3 times heavier than air and fatalities have occurred among pesticide appliers and building occupants who were exposed during the application process or who prematurely re-entered fumigated buildings.

It is highly irritating to the skin, eyes and airways. Irritation of the airways can cause coughing, chest tightness and burning sensation of the nose and throat. It may also cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain if it is inhaled.

Children exposed to the same levels of methyl bromide as adults may receive larger doses because they have greater lung surface area: body weight ratios and increased minute volumes: weight ratios. In addition, they may be exposed to higher levels than adults in the same location because of their short stature and the higher levels of methyl bromide found nearer to the ground.

Persons whose clothing or skin is contaminated with liquid methyl bromide (temperatures less than 38.5°F) can secondarily contaminate others by direct contact or through off-gassing vapor.

Methyl bromide gas easily penetrates most protective clothing (e.g., cloth, rubber, and leather) and skin. Prolonged retention in clothing and rubber boots may lead to chemical dermatitis and severe burns. Skin absorption may contribute to systemic toxicity.

Dalassa Yorkston

Chief Executive Officer

27/07/2023