Which fumigant should not be used for the fumigation of milled products, oil seeds and moist grains to avoid excessive absorption:

Correct option is B

Fumigation is a method of pest control that uses gaseous pesticides (fumigants) to kill insects and other pests in stored commodities like grains. However, the nature of the stored product, such as oil content and moisture level, affects the absorption and residue retention of the fumigant.
⚠️ Ethylene Dibromide (EDB) and its Limitations:
· Ethylene dibromide (EDB) is a volatile fumigant once used extensively for controlling stored grain pests.
· However, EDB is highly lipophilic, meaning it readily dissolves in oils and fats.
· As a result, when applied to oil seeds, milled products, or moist grains, EDB can be excessively absorbed and retained, leading to:
· High toxic residues
· Food safety concerns
· Loss of food quality
· It is particularly unsafe in foods with high fat or moisture content, which increases absorption and prolongs residue breakdown.
· For this reason, EDB is either restricted or banned in many countries, and its use is not recommended for oil-rich or milled products.
❌ Explanation of Incorrect Options:
(a) Aluminium phosphide:
· A widely used fumigant for stored grain.
· Releases phosphine gas, which is effective and does not leave harmful residues.
· It is safe for use on all kinds of grains, including milled and moist grains, under proper conditions.
(c) Ethylene dichloride:
· Used as a fumigant but less effective alone.
· Like EDB, it has some absorption issues but not as severe.
· Still considered less hazardous for milled and oil-rich products.
(d) Ethylene dichloride/Carbon tetrachloride mixture:
· Often used as a grain fumigant mix.
· Though less popular now due to health concerns, it does not show the same high absorption risk in oil seeds and milled products as EDB.