ABSTRACT
The uses of ethylene dibromide include: mainly as a constituent for leaded gasoline where it acts as a “scavenger” that converts lead oxides in cars to lead halides, which are released more easily with engine exhaust; and in the 1970’s and early 1980’s as a soil fumigant for ground peat control, which has since been banned by EPA. Due to increased regulations concerning leaded gasoline, the production and consumption of ethylene dibromide has dwindled. Currently, other minor uses of ethylene dibromide include treatment of felled logs for bark beetles, termite control, control of wax moths in beehives, spot treatment of milling machinery, Japanese beetle control in ornamental plants, and as a chemical intermediate for dyes, resins, waxes, and gums.
