Structural Fumigation with ProFume®

By: Cody Marks

6/14/2023 Newsletter - ProFume is a highly toxic gas that attacks the central nervous system. Rapidly absorbed through the respiratory system of the target. Its formulation is 99.8% Active ingredient - Sulfuryl Fluoride (SF) and only 0.2% Inert ingredients. It’s labeled for commercial use only, used for post-harvest, ProFume gas fumigant is labeled to control all life stages of insects and rodents in structures used to store, process, and transport most raw and processed commodities. Registered in all 50 states and in 18 countries, it is based on proven sulfuryl fluoride (SF) chemistry, manufactured in the United States by Douglas Products and meets internationally adopted food standards for international trade. Vikane, also produced by Douglas Products, uses the exact same formulation but due to differences in the label has a broader reach in the types of structures and scenarios where it is approved for use, including residential treatments. These products, when properly applied, penetrate the entire infested area to eliminate target pests without damaging property or leaving residues. When the process is completed, the area is ventilated to clearance per label guidelines and returned to normal occupancy. Dow chemical company began research on Methyl bromide alternatives in the 1950s. In 1961 Vikane with SF as the active ingredient was introduced to the market to protect homes from drywood termites and other insects. Progressive food companies requested Dow do research on SF as a viable replacement for Methyl Bromide in the food industry. ProFume was labeled for use in the United States in 2004, and as a result Dow AgroSciences was named a winner of the United Nations Montreal Protocol Innovators Award and the US-EPA’s “Best of the Best” Ozone Protection Award in 2007. ProFume came to market to fill a large void when Methyl Bromide phase out plans were initiated in 2003 and took effect in 2004. FSS, Inc. performed many trials in development as well as performing the first commercial application following EPA's approval of the fumigant in 2004.

All ProFume fumigations start with a Fumigation Management Plan (FMP). This outlines the intentions and responsibilities for safe and effective treatment, for both the facility’s staff, as well as the contracted fumigation team. The amount of fumigant needed is calculated based on a survey of the condition of the site and the amount of sealing that will be required to hit the target concentrations. The Fumiguide calculator provided by Douglas Products calculates the target concentration needed to affect all life stages of the target pest and predicts the total fumigant needed based on temperature, volume, expected Half-loss time, and target pest species. This tool also aids in recommendations to add fumigant or time to reach target concentration over time (C/T) to have the highest efficacy in treatment if the records are updated live during exposure. Additional tools such as Bioassays, like those produced by Insects Limited, have been a part of many practices as a post treatment verification of efficacy, and further models of C/T accumulation are coming to market, such as the new interface provided by Spectros Instruments.  Options for verification continue to grow. Prior to treatment facility staff must remove pets, living plants, all drugs including tobacco products, and Medicinals. Incidental fumigations of food is acceptable by label, however it is recommended that food outside of its original packaging even those within refrigerators and freezers should be removed prior to treatment with ProFume fumigant.  Facility staff should also be aware that under high heat conditions present in gas flames or glowing electric elements, ProFume can decompose into sulfur dioxide and hydrofluoric acid. Due to hydrofluoric acids ability to corrode or damage metals, glass, ceramic finishes, and fabrics it is crucial to eliminate all pilot lights and open flames prior to treatment.  Execution of sealing, introduction through lines, monitoring concentrations, ventilation, and eventually clearance are then completed according to the facility schedule beginning with the shutdown of equipment during final sanitation processes, and really move forward with force once the facility has been vacated by the customer until returned by the fumigation team. As a final thought on the overview of how to prepare and execute ProFume treatments, discussion between the fumigation team and their customer, through the preparation phase of defining all these variables, and expectations of the treatment, is by far the most important step in the treatment process. Fumigation is the art of applying the science (chemistry, biology, and even a little physics) to reach the customer’s goal. Without great communication, executing the treatment only becomes more difficult.