ABSTRACT
Bromochloromethane, which finds use in fire extinguishers, may be released to the environment as a fugitive emission during its manufacture, and during the use of fire extinguishers containing the compound. Bromochloromethane along with other bromo- or chloromethanes may be produced by macro algae using haloperoxidase enzymes. Bromochloromethane finds use as a fire extinguisher fluid, especially in aircraft and in portable fire extinguishing units. It may enter the environment as a fugitive emission during its production and formulation, and during the discharge of fire extinguishers containing this compounds. If released to soil, bromochloromethane is expected to display high mobility and it has the potential to leach into ground water. If released to water, bromochloromethane is expected to rapidly volatilize to the atmosphere. In a screening test, bromochloromethane at an initial concn of 5 or 10 mg/L underwent 100% degradation within seven days using a settled domestic wastewater inoculum under aerobic conditions.
