The research team analyzed more than 15,000 air samples collected between 2015 and 2019, attributing approximately 85% of California’s sulfuryl fluoride emissions to structural fumigation practices. These findings highlight the extensive use of the gas in sealing infested structures, pumping gas into the tent to eliminate pests, and directly releasing the residual emissions into the atmosphere.
California’s Contribution to Global Emissions
California’s significant contribution to global sulfuryl fluoride emissions highlights the urgency to address this hidden climate threat. As a potent synthetic pesticide primarily used in structural fumigation, sulfuryl fluoride traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. With up to 17% of global emissions originating from the United States and the majority coming from California, the state’s leadership in tackling this issue is crucial.