What essential feature does an effective sealing material for fumigation have?

An effective sealing material for fumigation must be impermeable to the fumigant being used because this characteristic ensures that the gas remains contained within the treated area, preventing it from escaping into the surrounding environment. The impermeability of the sealing material is crucial for achieving the desired efficacy of the fumigation process, as it allows for the maintenance of the necessary concentration of the fumigant over time. This concentration is essential for effectively controlling or eliminating pests, as significant losses of fumigant could result in insufficient exposure for pest eradication, thereby compromising the success of the fumigation treatment.

While factors such as breathability or environmental impact might be important in other contexts, they do not contribute to the core functionality required from sealing materials during fumigation. Ensuring that the fumigant does not leak out is paramount to the process's effectiveness, making impermeability the essential feature for sealing material in fumigation practices.