Temperature & Minimum Exposure Periods for FUMIPHOS® (Tablets)
The following instruction may be used as a guide in determining the minimum length of the exposure period at the indicated temperatures:
The fumigation must be long enough so as to provide for adequate control of the insect pests that infest the commodity being treated.Additionally, the fumigation period should be long enough to allow for more or less complete reaction of FUMIPHOS® with moisture so that little or no unreacted aluminum phosphide remains. This will minimize worker exposures during further storage and/or processing of the treated bulk commodity as well as reduce hazards during the disposal of partially spent aluminum phosphide products remaining after space fumigations.
The proper length of the fumigation period will vary with exposure conditions since, in general, insects are more difficult to control at lower temperatures, and the rate of hydrogen phosphide gas production by FUMIPHOS® is lower at lower temperatures and humidity. It should be noted that there is little to be gained by extending the exposure period if the structure to be fumigated has not been carefully sealed or if the distribution of gas is poor and insects are not subjected to lethal concentrations of phosphine. Careful sealing is required to ensure that adequate gas levels are retained and proper application procedures must be followed to provide satisfactory distribution of phosphine gas.
Application of additional FUMIPHOS® is recommended if phosphine concentrations drop below an effective level. If re-entry into the treated structure is required, follow the requirements for manpower and respiratory protection usage found in other articles. Some structures can only be treated when completely tarped while others cannot be properly sealed by any means and should not be fumigated. Exposure times must be lengthened to allow for penetration of gas throughout the commodity when fumigant is not uniformly added to the commodity mass; for example, by surface application or shallow probing. This is particularly important in the fumigation of bulk commodity contained in large storage areas. Remember, exposure periods recommended in the table are minimum periods and may not be adequate to control all stored products pests under all conditions nor will they always provide for total reaction of FUMIPHOS®.
It is permissible and often desirable to use a low-flow recirculation system for phosphine gas in certain bulk storages. This method may be used in ship’s holds, various types of flat storage and vertical storage bins. Recirculation usually involves the application of fumigant to the surface of the commodity. The phosphine gas is then continuously or intermittently drawn out of the over space and blown into the bottom of the storage using specially designed low volume fans and ductwork. This method facilitates the quick and uniform penetration of phosphine throughout the commodity. In some instances a reduced dosage may be used. Please contact PT. Panca Prima Wijaya. if assistance is required in designing the recirculation system.
