Commodity Fumigation License Practice Exam

Is it true that finely milled products require more space for fumigant penetration?

1. True

2. False

3. Only if treated with liquid

4. Only for high-risk pests

The correct answer is: True

Finely milled products indeed require more space for fumigant penetration. This is primarily due to the physical characteristics of such products, which tend to have smaller particle sizes that can pack closely together. When particles are densely packed, it becomes more challenging for fumigants to effectively circulate and permeate throughout the material. The fumigant needs to reach all areas within the product to ensure that pests are effectively eradicated. If the particles are too tightly packed, there might be zones where the fumigant concentration is insufficient, leading to incomplete fumigation. Consequently, it is essential to ensure adequate spacing or a more fluid distribution of the product to allow for optimal fumigant penetration and effectiveness in pest control. The other options, while they address specific scenarios, do not encompass the general principle applicable in most cases involving finely milled products. The need for adequate space arises primarily due to the particle structure itself and not solely based on treatment methods or pest risk levels.