What is Fumigation?
Fumigation is a chemical control method that has been used since the early 20th century to eliminate harmful agents in agricultural and industrial products.
Definition of Fumigation:
Fumigation is the process of applying a chemical substance (fumigant) in gas form to a sealed environment (at a specific temperature and dosage) to eliminate pests — including all biological stages of insects (egg, larva, nymph, pupa, and adult) — as well as other harmful organisms such as nematodes, fungi, and bacteria. The gas is held in the enclosed space for a defined period to ensure full efficacy.
Purpose and Importance of Fumigation
Fumigation aims to eliminate harmful agents from all kinds of plant- and animal-based products, materials, export goods, and the wooden pallets they are transported on. This process protects the product from deterioration and loss, ensuring its safety and quality.
Export goods are often transported over long distances, during which lack of air circulation, sudden temperature changes, and humidity can lead to pest infestation. To avoid significant product loss and financial damage, fumigation is essential. Moreover, fumigation plays a vital role in preventing the transfer of pest populations between countries or even between regions.
Advantages of Fumigation
- Can be applied directly to the product
- Penetrates deeply and distributes evenly, even in hard-to-reach areas
- Leaves minimal residue or odor within tolerable limits for food products
- Effective against all biological stages of harmful pests
Critical Considerations in Fumigation
- Fumigation is dangerous and potentially fatal if not performed properly
- Operators must be fully aware of the concept of tolerable residue — the acceptable level of chemical residue that poses no harm to humans or animals
- The process must be conducted by at least two certified fumigation operators
- Operators must have comprehensive knowledge of both the fumigant’s properties and the nature of the material being treated
- The correct fumigation technique must be selected based on the product and the fumigant used
⚠️ Note: Fumigation must be performed by agricultural engineers who are officially trained and certified as fumigation operators.
If fumigation is carried out by unauthorized personnel, it is both illegal and dangerous. Please do not be complicit in this violation — report any unlawful practices.
