California is the Leading Emitter of This Greenhouse Gas by a Wide Margin
Sulfuryl fluoride is a pesticide commonly used for eradicating drywood termites, with most of it being emitted during fumigations in Southern California.
Despite California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a recent study from Johns Hopkins University revealed that the state is the top emitter of a lesser-known greenhouse gas, sulfuryl fluoride, in the country.
California accounts for 60 to 85 percent of the emissions of this gas, which is a component of pesticides used for controlling termites and other wood-infesting insects.
The majority of these emissions come from Southern California, specifically Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties.
The gas was approved by the EPA in 1959 as a pesticide to replace more ozone-depleting fumigants.
It is primarily used to eliminate drywood termites, which are known for infesting wooden structures in hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, it is used at ports to prevent pests from being transported globally.
The study found that while the U.S. contributes about 17 percent of global sulfuryl fluoride emissions, California alone contributes 12 percent.
Despite California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, the state still emits significant amounts of sulfuryl fluoride.
Most of California’s sulfuryl fluoride emissions come from home and building fumigations, where gas is released into the atmosphere after treatment. Some emissions are also attributed to agricultural fumigations.
The gas can persist in the atmosphere for over 40 years, and its release rate exceeds its breakdown rate.
The researchers suggest using certain solutions and organic solvents to absorb and neutralize the gas during fumigation processes.
They have shared their findings with environmental agencies in California to help develop strategies for reducing sulfuryl fluoride emissions.
