ProFume. Frequently Asked Questions

Transcription

1 ProFume Frequently Asked Questions

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3 A-Gas Rural A-Gas Rural specialises in the supply of fumigation chemicals, application equipment and services to the Agricultural sector from our manufacturing, blending and import storage facility located in Adelaide suburb of Wingfield. Our primary focus in the market place is supplying sustainable alternatives to the Ozone depleting methyl bromide. We are also involved in supplying fumigation equipment and monitoring devices as well as designing and implementing fumigation systems. A-Gas Rural is committed to providing quality products and services to all our clients with an ongoing focus on safety through our product stewardship program. Stewardship of our products is a role we take very seriously. A-Gas Rural is the only Australian distributor of Profume, a Dow AgroSciences product which has been used to replace methyl bromide across a wide range of post-harvest and space fumigation activities. ProFume has been successful in controlling phosphine resistant insect pests in the grain growing areas of Australia. ProFume is an excellent rotation chemical for the grain industry. Interchanged with phosphine, it delivers a cost effective resistance management strategy that increases the useful life of phosphine in grain protection. The use of Profume in this way is a credible industry wide strategy which provides the grain industry with options not previously available. A-Gas Rural also imports Methyl Bromide under our own label for clients with QPS and Phytosanitary requirements. 1

4 General Information on ProFume What is ProFume gas fumigant? What is the active ingredient and how does it work? ProFume offers effective, reliable stored product pest control that fits with your operational needs. It is packaged in cylinders as a liquid under pressure. ProFume is non-flammable, non-corrosive, odourless and has a high vapour pressure. It quickly penetrates the fumigated area, is effective against a variety of stored product pests and dissipates rapidly during aeration. The active ingredient in ProFume is sulfuryl fluoride (SO 2 F 2 ). Dow AgroSciences has marketed sulfuryl fluoride for more than 40 years, originally for structural fumigations to eliminate termites and wood-boring beetles, and later expanded its application to food commodity use. ProFume disrupts the glycolosis and citric acid cycles within cells throughout the insect body, thereby depriving insects of the necessary energy for survival, a completely different mode of action in comparison to phosphine and methyl bromide, making it an ideal replacement for resistant insects. What led Dow AgroSciences to introduce ProFume gas fumigant for stored product pest control? When methyl bromide was scheduled to be phased out under the Montreal Protocol, several progressive food industries in the United States and other countries approached Dow AgroSciences to consider developing sulfuryl fluoride for food commodity use. As a result, Dow AgroSciences formed a partnership with leading stored product researchers, fumigators and food industries around the world and developed ProFume as a successful post-harvest fumigant. Why should I use ProFume? ProFume is approved for use by the APVMA to fumigate bulk grain, dried fruit, rice, nut and other commodities, shipping and quarantine fumigation, mills and warehouses. It controls all life stages of target insect pests. 2

5 Using ProFume as an exclusive fumigant or as part of your phosphine resistance management strategy will minimise your downtime and avoid unnecessary re-fumigation & product rejection costs. It is highly recommended to adapt your fumigation program to include ProFume before you discover phosphine resistance, to pro-actively prevent any resistance strains effecting your commodity. Where can I purchase ProFume? A-Gas Rural are the exclusive distributor of ProFume in Australia. We are supported by our long standing partners; Grain Storage Solutions (GSS) in Victoria and Southern NSW, and Profumigation in Queensland and Northern NSW. Both Profumigation and GSS are experts in their field and we rely on them to service customers in these regions. What makes ProFume gas fumigant unique? ProFume is a solution to the methyl bromide phase out for post-harvest fumigations. It is approved for use to fumigate bulk grain, dried fruit, rice, nut and other commodities, shipping container and quarantine fumigation, mills and warehouses. It controls all life stages of target insects and, using Precision Fumigation techniques, is customized for each application situation. Unlike methyl bromide, ProFume does NOT deplete the ozone. Like methyl bromide, ProFume can be used for short or long duration fumigations to meet the time constraints of the fumigator and customer. ProFume has many advantages: It rapidly penetrates porous materials; It has low sorption on fumigated materials; It rapidly aerates from materials and commodities; It does not react with materials to form unpleasant odours; It is not restricted by the Montreal Protocol: Methyl bromide can only be used for non-qps application if a critical use exemption has been approved by the parties to the Montreal Protocol; Record keeping, reporting and presenting records for examination is required for buyers, sellers and all end users of methyl bromide, under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations Failure to comply with these requirements may result in severe penalties. Unlike Methyl Bromide; testing of ProFume on various seed varieties at maximum label rates, including corn, cotton, grass, wheat, soybeans and rice, demonstrates insignificant impact on seed germination. Furthermore, no significant interaction between ProFume and tested seed treatments have been observed. How does ProFume gas fumigant compare to phosphine? Both phosphine and ProFume provide broad spectrum control of stored product pests, have low sorption and do not negatively impact the commodity when used according to the label. Like phosphine, initial testing of ProFume on various seed varieties at maximum label rates, including corn, cotton, grass, wheat, soybeans and rice, demonstrates insignificant impact on seed germination. Furthermore, no significant interaction between the fumigant and tested seed treatments have been observed. Most importantly; unlike phosphine, there is no known stored product pest with resistance to ProFume. 3

6 In addition, ProFume has many advantages: It penetrates swiftly, provides quick control of stored product pests, and aerates rapidly; It offers a flexible application period in some cases in as few as 12 hours so you can choose timing that suits your business needs; It is useful in alleviating pesticide resistance issues; ProFume is non-corrosive and non-flammable so it will not damage equipment, electronics and/or buildings when used properly; It does not produce odours and there are no disposal issues after its use; Fumiguide calculator allows for precise dosage and creates a database for future fumigations. However, applicators should exercise caution before treating large amounts of seed, as not all seed hybrid/varieties have been tested, nor have the potential effects of ProFume on germination been tested under all conditions. As such, Dow AgroSciences recommends testing a small amount of seed hybrids/varieties for potential sensitivity to ProFume prior to large scale fumigation. How does the STEL (short-term exposure limit) compare with phosphine: The maximum concentration for a continuous exposure limit of 15 minutes (with a maximum of four such periods per day with at least 60 minutes between exposure periods) comparison is: Phosphine = 1 ppm ProFume = 10 ppm How does ProFume compare on cost? As a $ per kg or $ per fumigated tonne comparison, ProFume is more expensive than both phosphine and methyl bromide. It is therefore important to measure the purchase of ProFume more broadly against the total cost of a fumigation program. Factors such as failed fumigations, rejected loads and downtime need to be considers as well as the benefits of; flexible dose rates, exposure times, easy application, being non-corrosive and non-flammable, and it will not damage equipment and electronics. FUMIGANT COMPARISON Attribute ProFume MeBr Cylinderized phosphine Metal phosphides Controls all life stages of a broad pest range Distributes into structural pest harborages Penetrates deeply into commodities Not flammable or combustible 4 4 No adverse effects on food commodities No adverse effects on buildings, equipment, and other contents Flexible, including short exposure times 4 Lower flammable limit for VAPORPH 3 OS is 18,000 ppm Lower flammable limit for phosphine is 18,000 ppm Gen. 4 to 36 hours 4 Can react with certain metals to cause corrosion, especially at high temperatures or RH hours dependent upon label directions Can react with certain metals to cause corrosion, especially at high temperatures or RH hours dependent upon label directions

7 Safety, Environment and Residue Information on ProFume Who will be permitted to purchase and apply ProFume? ProFume can only be purchased and applied by licenced fumigators, who have completed the A-Gas Rural ProFume training program, and subsequently maintain up to date A-Gas Rural stewardship documents. It is important that customers be aware that start-up costs for ProFume include purchasing the required safety equipment; self-contained breathing apparatus, monitors approved for ProFume use, appropriate safety warning signs and hardware is all required for safe application of ProFume. What type of training will A-Gas Rural provide for ProFume? A-Gas Rural and its distributor partners Profumigation and GSS believe training is extremely important for the effective use of ProFume. The ProFume training course can be undertaken by licenced fumigators. The course is approximately a half day of training that covers theory, practical training and assessment. Certificates and a ProFume applicators manual are issued on successful completions. What stewardship requirements does A-Gas Rural have for ProFume? A-Gas Rural is committed to the stewardship of all of its products and has recently implemented stewardship requirements for the use of ProFume gas fumigant. All customers wishing to purchase ProFume must be licenced fumigators, have completed the ProFume training course and maintain up to date A-Gas Rural stewardship documents. These include signed agreements, selfassessment checklists, and an understanding that A-Gas Rural or its distributor partners may audit against these requirements from time to time. 5

8 Can I use my methyl bromide or phosphine respirator mask? No: ProFume requires the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus. What residue data is available following application of ProFume gas fumigant and have any human exposure concerns been identified? The residue data, which include trials with grains, dried fruit, nuts and other commodities, have been fully evaluated by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA). In its Public Release Summary of September of 2007, APVMA provided a summary of residue information and concluded that both long-term and short-term human dietary exposures were acceptable. How are residues of fluoride in food regulated in Australia and what specific assessment associated with use of ProFume gas fumigant has occurred? In terms of fluoride residues, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) has removed the maximum fluoride standard concentration, previously set at 7 ppm, allowed in commodities. The APVMA did this because fluoride, as a naturally occurring compound, has high variability in background concentrations in commodities based on type of commodity and region where the commodity was grown. There is no longer a standard limit of fluoride in commodities, including rice, after fumigation with ProFume as part of the Australian regulation. However, the APVMA still reviews the residue levels of fluoride in commodities in their dietary risk assessment which has already been conducted and approved during the registration process for the use of ProFume in grain. During January of 2011, the APVMA released a statement which confirmed that total Australian exposures to fluoride including those from commodities treated with sulfuryl fluoride do not exceed human health safety standards. What happens when sulfuryl fluoride is introduced into the environment; are there environmental impact concerns? Sulfuryl fluoride dissipates in the atmosphere once the gas moves outside the fumigation space during the ventilation process. Sulfuryl fluoride is readily biodegradable, does not persist in soil or water environments, and would be removed by biological wastewater-treatment facilities. Its bioconcentration potential (tendency to accumulate in the food chain) is low. The relatively small amount of sulfuryl fluoride released into the atmosphere following use of ProFume gas fumigant is calculated to have negligible impact on the global atmosphere and environment. Sulfuryl fluoride contains no chlorine or bromine and thus cannot react to deplete stratospheric ozone by known mechanisms. In fact, sulfuryl fluoride is recognized around the world as a vital replacement for the stratospheric ozone-depleting substance methyl bromide, which is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol. Sulfuryl fluoride is not listed as a greenhouse gas under the Kyoto Protocol, which is the international treaty regulating greenhouse gases. Recently published information suggests that the potential contribution of sulfuryl fluoride is about one-one hundredth of one percent (0.01%) of total contributions to global warming. Compared to gases listed in the Kyoto Protocol such 6

9 as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, the amount of sulfuryl fluoride emitted into the atmosphere is extremely small. In its Public Release Summary of September of 2007, APVMA summarized available environmental information and concluded that: The APVMA is satisfied that the proposed use of the new active constituent sulfuryl fluoride in the product ProFume Gas Fumigant for the control of insect and rodent pests in enclosed situations, such as structures, vehicles and containers, is not likely to have an unintended effect that is harmful to animals, plants or things, or to the environment. Researchers determined that the atmospheric lifetime of sulfuryl fluoride is years. Researchers have determined that sulfuryl fluoride has significant potential to contribute to global warming, however the extent of its global warming potential is uncertain. Groundwater contamination is unlikely based on the present use pattern and volatility of sulfuryl fluoride. Will ProFume negatively affect the ozone layer? Sulfuryl fluoride, the active ingredient in ProFume, is not an ozone-depleting chemical. ProFume contains no chlorine or bromine and, thus, cannot react to deplete stratospheric ozone by any known mechanisms. It is fully oxidized and, thus, is not expected to interact or contribute to local ozone formation (such as smog). When a commodity or facility is aerated, ProFume rapidly dissipates to non-detectable levels. Dow AgroSciences was awarded the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the development of ProFume gas fumigant. This award recognizes extraordinary achievements, international leadership and innovation in preserving the Earth s protective stratospheric ozone layer. Winners have demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship through their precedent-setting innovation and leadership. Will using ProFume cause damage to equipment or facilities (corrosion, fire, etc.)? ProFume will not cause corrosion of equipment when used properly. ProFume is nonflammable, has low reactivity potential, and as a gas, is stable under extreme heat (temperatures below 420c). How safe is it to use ProFume? Sulfuryl fluoride is a biocide, a substance that will kill all living organisms including people, animals, and plants if exposed for a sufficient period of time and at a high enough concentration. For this reason, people must remain outside the three meter exclusions zone during the fumigation and remain absent until a clearance certificate is issued by the licenced fumigator. Sulfuryl fluoride, a colourless, odourless gas, enters the body through inhalation but does not cause skin or eye irritation at the concentrations used by applicators. Because sulfuryl fluoride is a gas, it does not leave behind a residue on surfaces and, therefore, does not create additional risks of exposure from touching these surfaces. Workers and by-standers are not expected to be at risk following the use of ProFume Gas Fumigant provided that the ProFume concentration in air is no more than 3 ppm at the time of re-entry. 7

10 Because ProFume is a gas, prior to fumigation, the fumigation space must be adequately and completely sealed. This serves to contain ProFume in the commodity storage structure so it can penetrate materials thoroughly and eliminate the insect pests. Warning signs are posted at all entrances and all sides of the commodity storage structure notifying people to keep out. According to the ProFume label, a clearance certificate can only be issued when the concentration of fumigant is 3 ppm or less. Low levels of fumigant can remain for a short period of time in air spaces between walls, inside machinery or within the commodity. The small amount of fumigant in these areas may continue to dissipate for a period of time after the fumigation. What if I am exposed to ProFume? 8 Remember N.S.A.N.D. Nausea, Slowing of movement & speech, Abdominal pain, Numbness in the extremities and Difficulty in breathing. Overexposure to high levels of sulfuryl fluoride can result in nose and throat irritation and nausea. At high concentrations, it can cause excess lung irritation, pulmonary edema, nausea, and convulsions. These symptoms are likely to appear within 8 hours after overexposure. In the unlikely event you experience these symptoms, seek fresh air immediately, and consult your doctor. Additional studies show sulfuryl fluoride does not cause birth defects in pregnant animals exposed under experimental conditions. In addition, current studies demonstrate there are no mutagenic or genotoxic effects caused by exposure to sulfuryl fluoride. What is the toxicity of sulfuryl fluoride? Animals Sulfuryl fluoride is moderately toxic when fed to rats and guinea pigs. The acute oral LD50 is 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight or mg/kg. In subchronic inhalation studies, researchers exposed rats and rabbits to sulfuryl fluoride six hours a day for 90 days at concentrations of 0, 30, 100, or 300 ppm. The following effects were observed at 100 and 300 ppm: decreased body weights, mottled teeth, and injury to the brain, nervous system, liver, kidney, lung, and nasal tissues. In another study, animals died when exposed to concentrations of 600 ppm. Rats did not exhibit adverse effects during a two day inhalation neurotoxicity study when exposed to concentrations of 0, 100, or 300 ppm. However, researchers observed some effects in the animals following chronic exposures. Humans Remember N.S.A.N.D. Nausea, Slowing of movement & speech, Abdominal pain, Numbness in the extremities and Difficulty in breathing. Repeated exposures to high concentrations of sulfuryl fluoride may cause lung and kidney damage. Fatalities have occurred when people have entered structures during the fumigation process, or when sulfuryl fluoride had not dissipated to appropriate levels prior to re-entry as required by the product label.

11 Technical Information on ProFume Which insect pests does ProFume target? Does it kill all life stages, including eggs? ProFume controls all insect pest life stages, including eggs. Insect eggs require a higher dosage or longer exposure period of ProFume compared to post embryonic life stages. Dow AgroSciences have published test results on eggs since 1994: To give a practical summary, ProFume ; kills the larval/nymphal, pupal, and adult stages of a tested species with a base dosage range of 2X. In Comparison, eggs may require a dosage range of 4X to 54X to kill the same species. Poor ovicidal activity of sulfuryl fluoride is primarily due to lack of penetration though, and binding to, the proteinaceous eggs shell and embryonic membranes. Sulfuryl fluoride reduces the amount of oxygen taken up by insect eggs. Eggs, however, tend to be less susceptible than adults primarily because the egg shell limits the passage of sulfuryl fluoride. Control of insect eggs may require an increased exposure time or, increased concentration of sulfuryl fluoride. What determines the ProFume dosage? No two fumigation jobs are identical. The required amount of ProFume gas fumigant will be influenced by the circumstances of each fumigation situation. Dow AgroSciences offers a unique computerized Fumiguide program for ProFume gas fumigant, which enables fumigators to tailor each fumigation procedure for optimum efficiency. This innovative computer-based program calculates dosages based on input from fumigation variables such as pest biology, production time and environment. By allowing the fumigator to quickly modify any fumigation variable, the program helps customize and optimize a fumigation management plan for each situation. The following are examples of variable factors; Specific pest species and life stage have different respiration and metabolism rates: i.e eggs require a greater amount of fumigant to larvae, which requires a greater amount of fumigant to susceptible adults; Temperature: as temperature decreases, respiration rates decrease, therefore, the dosage or exposure time must increase; 9

12 Duration: A short exposure requires a higher initial concentration, whereas a long exposure means a lower initial concentration. Longer fumigations also allow eggs to hatch; ProFume does kill eggs if the appropriate dosage is used for a given temperature; For certain insect species, higher temperatures and/ or a longer exposure period will be required to get the desired level of egg control. All these factors are taken into consideration in the Fumiguide. How Does the Fumiguide Work? Dow AgroSciences worked with researchers at six stored product research laboratories in the United States (USDA-ARS in Fresno, California; DFA of California and Europe (Food and Environmental Research Agency in the UK, Julius Kuehn Institute in Germany, the University of Milan in Italy, and Laboratoire National des Denrées Stockées in France) to define the dosages required to control all the life stages of target stored product insect pests under a range of fumigation conditions. The data used to produce the Fumiguide is the result of: 10 years of research by six stored product research laboratories (in the United States and Europe); Nearly 1,200 bioassays of the key stored product insects evaluated during 51 commercial fumigations; Technical collaboration with entomologists, statisticians, and computer programmers to develop the algorithms, write code, and test the program. Is there training available for the Fumiguide? In principle the Fumiguide is a simple to use database, however some users may require more training for specific fumigations. A-Gas Rural is available to assist with additional training and trouble shooting. Using Precision Fumigation techniques, ProFume can be applied over a flexible time period and adapted to your business needs and schedule allowing you to continue producing quality products with minimal downtime. 10

13 Can I use the Fumiguide for fumigating bulk storage grain situations (silos, sheds, bunkers)? Yes; the Fumiguide should be used for all fumigation situations. For bulk storage situations always use capacity volume of storage, not the load size. The below table may assist. BULK DENSITY FOR COMMON GRAINS GRAIN HECTOLITRES PER TONNE KILOGRAMS PER CUBIC METRE TONNES PER CUBIC METRE BARLEY GRAIN CANARY SEED CANOLA CHICKPEA COTTON SEED COWPEA FLAX SEED LINSEED LUCERNE PELLETS LUCERNE SEED LUPINS MAIZE GRAIN MILLET MUNG BEANS NAVY BEANS OATS WHOLE PEANUTS IN SHELL PEANUTS SHELLED RYE GRAIN SAFFLOWER SESAME SEED SORGHUM SOYBEAN WHOLE SUNFLOWER SEED TRITICALE WHEAT NOTE that the values given are typical for each grain type. You should check each sample with a weight bulk measuring device, condometre, if high accuracy is important. 1 hectolitre of wheat weighs 77 kilograms on average 13 hectolires of wheat weighs 1 tonne of average How do I maximizing dose efficiency of ProFume Proper use of the Fumiguide Increased temperature at the site of the target pest or a longer exposure period enables lower dose rates Repeat low dose fumigations for species with very tolerant eggs Most importantly, invest time in identifying ways to improve sealing of your fumigation space, recirculation systems and extending exposure time. 11

14 How is ProFume applied and what is the range of exposure periods? ProFume gas fumigant is a liquid under pressure in a cylinder. It immediately converts to a gas upon release from an introduction hose due to its high vapour pressure and very low boiling point of -55c. Unlike methyl bromide, ProFume does not require the use of a heat exchanger. Releasing ProFume at 1 kg per minute or less will negate the use of a fan, at higher induction rates, a fan at the introduction point serves to provide the energy necessary to convert ProFume from a liquid to a gas. Using Precision Fumigation techniques, ProFume can be applied over a flexible time period and adapted to your business needs and schedule allowing you to continue producing quality products with minimal downtime. What Commodities, target pests and situation can I use ProFume in? Target Pests Almond moth (Ephestia cautella) Bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus) Cigarette Beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) Cocoa moth (Ephestia elutella) Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) Confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum) Cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus obtectus) Dried fruit moth (Ephestia cautella) Drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum) Grain weevil (Sitophilius granarius) Granary weevil (Sitophilis granarius) Hide beetle (Dermestes maculatus) Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) Lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica) Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella) Navel Orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) Other beetle Other moth Rice weevil (Sitophilius oryzae) Rust red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) Rust red grain beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugineus) Rusty grain beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugenius) Sawtoothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis) Tobacco beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) Warehouse beetle (Trogoderma variabile) Commodity Almond Baled hay - animal feed & pet food. Barley Beech nut Brazil nut Cacao/ Cocoa, Cashew Chestnut Coffee Corn (maize) Corn meal Cotton, seed postharvest Cowpea Date (dried) Fig (dried) Hay (animal feed) Hazel nut Hickory nut Macadamia nut Millet Oat Other dried fruits Other dried fruits (e.g. apricots) Other grains Other legumes Other nuts Peanut Pet food (dry) Pine nut Pistachio Plums (dried) Pop corn Prunes (dried) Raisin Rice Rice bran Rice hulls Rice polished Sorghum Soybean Spelt Sultanas Triticale Vegetable, legume, (dried, animal feed) Walnut Wheat Wheat bran Wheat germ Wheat milled by-products Wheat shorts Wild Rice 12

15 Situations Target Pests Dwellings (including mobile homes) Buildings Construction materials, timber and logs Furnishings (household effects) Shipping containers (including those containing pallets, machinery and non-food items) Existing infestations of insects such as borers, bedbugs, cockroaches, clothes moths, carpet beetles and drywood termites. Vehicles (including cars, buses, surface ships, rail cars and recreational vehicles but excluding aircraft). Commodity storage and non-residential structures NOT containing food commodities including food handling and processing facilities, pet food facilities, mills, warehouses, silos, stationary transportation vehicles (railcars, trucks etc., excluding aircraft and passenger railcars), temporary and permanent fumigation chambers. Commodity storage structures (as listed above) containing the food commodities noted on page 12. All life stages of stored product pests as noted as noted on page 12. Seed storage facilities holding seeds of additional plant varieties stored for propagation purposes only (i.e. NOT intended for human consumption). *The ProFume Applicator s Manual and the ProFume Fumiguide contain important information for the safe and effective use of this product. They must be used and must be in the user s possession during fumigation. 13

16 When is Equilibrium Reached? When liquid ProFume is released from the introduction hose, it extracts a substantial amount of heat from the surrounding air as it expands to form a gas. As an example; 454g of liquid ProFume changing to the gas phase will drop the temperature of 28.3 m 3 of air by 2.5c. The chilling causes the formation of a cloud of condensed water (fog) that must be dissipated before it collects on a surface. The rate of dissipation depends upon the release rate, atmospheric conditions, and mixing rate. The fan capacity, quantity, and placement determine the mixing rate. The chilled ProFume gas is much denser than the surrounding air and can settle to the bottom of the fumigation space unless mechanically mixed with the surrounding air. All gases tend to move from an area of high concentration to low concentration and will eventually come to equilibrium in a confined space. ProFume will do the same when it is introduced into a fumigation space, regardless of the fact that molecules of ProFume are heavier than air molecules. However, the rate of passive diffusion may be too slow to achieve equilibrium within a practical period, thus, mechanical mixing by fans may be needed. What is an adequate tarp material? Plastic tarps are semi-permeable membranes that permit different fumigants to pass through them at different rates. The passage of ProFume through most plastic sheeting of sufficient thickness is very slow. Use only tarps made of materials that will adequately confine ProFume for the required time. Tarps are sold in many sizes. Experience has shown that the following have proven satisfactory: 4-6 mil polyethylene for single use tarps Laminated (several layers) polyethylene Vinyl coated nylon Neoprene coated nylon PVC (polyvinyl chloride) coated nylon Thickness As a minimum, 4 6 mil ( microns) thickness of the above materials adequately confines ProFume. A tarp of 100 microns is equivalent to a 400-gauge material. Polyethylene tarps less than 4 mil (160 microns) are not of an adequate thickness to confine ProFume because they do not possess the strength and weight needed for the handling, wind resistance and abrasion encountered in most fumigations. Can ProFume be used to fumigate oilseed or pulse commodities? No; The Australian label has not yet been expanded to include use on oilseeds and pulse commodities unless they are being used for stock-feed or seed (i.e. not intended for human consumption). 14

17 Do I need to use a vaporiser? ProFume boils at -55 c; therefore a vaporiser is not required. A-Gas Rural have performed trials with vaporisers to assess the results and concluded there was not practical benefit. If there is an application situation where the ProFume appears to be fogging, we recommend to simply slow down the introduction rates OR use more application lines/points. How does ProFume move through the commodity? Can I measure and track its movement? Using the right equipment, readings of ProFume can be taken where, when and as often as you like. Distribution of ProFume though bulk commodity mass does vary greatly due to; moisture, temperature, airflow, headspace, gas tightness of the fumigation space, number of introduction points and the location of the introduction points. Unfortunately due to the large number of variables in any given fumigation, we have been unable to conclusively document guidelines. How much does a cylinder weigh, and what storage restrictions are there? A cylinder of ProFume has a tare weight of approximately 46.5 kg, that holds 56.7 kg of ProFume. ProFume is typically sold in stillages containing 12 cylinders. Product Class, Volume & Packing Group Placarding Quantity** Manifest Quantity** Fire Protection Quantity** 50 L 500 L 2000 L ProFume Class Cylinder = 78 Litres 1 Pallet = 12 Cylinders / 936 Litres. (Packaging Group N/A) Placards required if you store 1 cylinder: Storing 6 or more ProFume cylinders: You must notify authorities and keep a manifest (a very simple process) Requirement of Victorian Regulations only (refer regulation information) OR **This applies to aggregate quantities i.e. if you have a combined total of Class 2.3 products, or other dangerous goods, the aggregate quantity applies. What Monitors should I use? A-Gas Rural has spent many years working with a German manufacturer PPM to develop monitors that are cheaper, more reliable, easier to service and more user friendly. Please see separate brochure. 15

18 Why do ProFume cylinders empty at different rates/times? The speed at which ProFume is applied is dependent on temperature, length of induction lines and also width of the inside diameter of the induction line. What is the correct specification of delivery hose to use? A nylon 11 delivery hose recommended. Alternatively a standard nylon hose can be used, but is not recommended as it will eventually degrade due to the extreme low temperatures. How do you to calculate dose rates for fumigation of commodity in bulk storage? Does rate vary depending on recirculation system size, gas tightness, volume, commodity, temperature and target pest, which is why it is very important to use the Fumiguide to ensure the correct amount of ProFume is used. 16

19 Further information about ProFume Contact A-Gas Rural Phone: Contact ProFumigation Qld & Nth NSW Distributor Phone: (07) Contact Grain Storage Solutions Vic & Sth NSW Distributor Phone:

20 Contact A-Gas Rural Phone: Contact ProFumigation Qld & Nth NSW Distributor Phone: (07) Contact Grain Storage Solutions Vic & Sth NSW Distributor Phone: A-Gas Rural. Information correct as at June 2015