Volatile agricultural chemicals (fumigants) such as chloropicrin (trichloronitromethane) and sodium n-methyldithiocarbamate have been used in the United States for controlling internal decay of large dimension wood products for over 20 years. This usage has been concentrated in the electric utility industry, but fumigants are increasingly applied to protect bridge timbers, marine piling, and even living trees. This document will review the characteristics of fumigants in relation to other available chemicals, particularly the water-soluble pastes that are commonly employed in Europe. Studies to improve the handling safety of fumigants and future research needs will also be addressed.

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