A comprehensive review of the properties, history, fumigant value and industrial status of methyl bromide. As a fumigant this gas is remarkably noninjurious to some fresh fruit, vegetables, cut flowers, and growing plants, and effective in control of stored product insects and rodent plague carriers. Germination of a variety of seeds is not affected. Bromide residue data are given and the human hazards of handling methyl bromide discussed, with details of a fatality from the use of the gas.