Updated January 12, 2015.
Methyl iodide, also called iodomethane, is a chemical that is used in pesticides, production of pharmaceuticals, and various scientific research fields. As is true of many pesticides, methyl iodide has a recognized potential to cause health problems to people who are exposed regularly, such as farm workers, but there are questions over the level of risk posed to the general population.
Some researchers are concerned that methyl iodide may pose risks for pregnant women who live near farms where methyl iodide is used.
Research on laboratory animals suggests that exposure to methyl iodide could cause fetal loss, although there is no equivalent research on risks for humans during pregnancy. There is also suspicion that methyl iodide could be carcinogenic and could cause DNA damage.
The EPA has approved use of methyl iodide as a soil fumigant and acknowledges that acute exposure to methyl iodide can cause nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, and other problems; massive exposure can lead to pulmonary edema. However, the EPA has not confirmed whether methyl iodide is harmful to pregnant women or decided how it should be classified as a carcinogen. Further research may shed light on the matter.
Sources:
Methyl Iodide (Iodomethane). EPA. Accessed: Aug. 24, 2009. http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/methylio.html
Sloter, E., M. Nemec?, D. Stump?, J. Holson?, D. Kirkpatrick?, M. Gargas?, J. Kinzell. "Methyl iodide-induced fetal hypothyroidism implicated in late-stage fetal death in rabbits." Inhalation Toxicology May 2009, Vol. 21, No. 6, Pages 462-479.
Why U.S. EPA Should Reconsider its Methyl Iodide Decision. Pesticide Action Network. Accessed: Aug. 24, 2009. http://www.panna.org/fumigants/mei
Methyl iodide, also called iodomethane, is a chemical that is used in pesticides, production of pharmaceuticals, and various scientific research fields. As is true of many pesticides, methyl iodide has a recognized potential to cause health problems to people who are exposed regularly, such as farm workers, but there are questions over the level of risk posed to the general population.
Some researchers are concerned that methyl iodide may pose risks for pregnant women who live near farms where methyl iodide is used.
Research on laboratory animals suggests that exposure to methyl iodide could cause fetal loss, although there is no equivalent research on risks for humans during pregnancy. There is also suspicion that methyl iodide could be carcinogenic and could cause DNA damage.
The EPA has approved use of methyl iodide as a soil fumigant and acknowledges that acute exposure to methyl iodide can cause nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, and other problems; massive exposure can lead to pulmonary edema. However, the EPA has not confirmed whether methyl iodide is harmful to pregnant women or decided how it should be classified as a carcinogen. Further research may shed light on the matter.
Sources:
Methyl Iodide (Iodomethane). EPA. Accessed: Aug. 24, 2009. http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/methylio.html
Sloter, E., M. Nemec?, D. Stump?, J. Holson?, D. Kirkpatrick?, M. Gargas?, J. Kinzell. "Methyl iodide-induced fetal hypothyroidism implicated in late-stage fetal death in rabbits." Inhalation Toxicology May 2009, Vol. 21, No. 6, Pages 462-479.
Why U.S. EPA Should Reconsider its Methyl Iodide Decision. Pesticide Action Network. Accessed: Aug. 24, 2009. http://www.panna.org/fumigants/mei
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