Phosphor

White/Yellow: Deluge with water, taking care not to scatter, until fire is extinguished and phosphorus has solidified, then cover with wet sand or dirt. Red: Flood with water and when fire is extingushed, cover with wet sand or dirt. Extreme caution should be used during clean up since reignition may occur. Under certain conditions at high temperature, red phosphorus reverts to more hazardous white phosphorus.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 133 [Flammable Solids]:

- White phosphorus is extremely flammable.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Phosphorus Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to phosphorus may be severe and occur in three stages. The first stage will involve burns, pain, shock, intense thirst, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and "smoking stools." The breath and feces may have garlicky odor. The second stage will be a symptom-free period of several days in which the patient appears to be recovering. The third stage may be severe and include nausea, bloody vomitus, diarrhea (may be bloody), jaundice, liver enlargement with tenderness, renal damage, hematuria (bloody urine), and either oliguria (little urine formation) or anuria (no urine formation). Headache, convulsions, delirium, coma, cardiac arrhythmias, and cardiovascular collapse may also occur. If phosphorus contacts the eyes, then severe irritation and burns, blepharospasm (spasmodic winking), lacrimation (tearing), and photophobia (heightened sensitivity to light) may occur. Eye contact may lead to a total destruction of the eyes. Victims may experience spontaneous hemorrhaging of phosphorus-contaminated skin and mucous membranes.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 133 [Flammable Solids]:

White phosphorus may be present as a contaminant or formed in fire situations. Fumes from phosphorus fires are highly irritating to lungs, skin, eyes. /Phosphorus, amorphous/

Fumes from phosphorus fires are highly irritating to lungs, skin, eyes. /Phosphorus, white, molten/

Flood with water to control flames, then smother with wet sand, clay, ground limestone. Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products. Where access to the area is strictly controlled, it may be best to allow the release to burn itself out. Fire situations may require evacuation. Fight fire from protected location or maximum possible distance. /Phosphorus, white, molten/

Flood with water to control flames, then smother with wet sand, clay, ground limestone. Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products. /Phosphorus, amorphous/

Separate from air, oxidizing materials, combustibles. Always keep container closed, with material under water or inert gas. /Phosphorus, white, molten/

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials. Always keep container closed. /Phosphorus, amorphous/

Caution : Flammable solid. Avoid sources of extreme heat or ignition including sparks or fire. White (or yellow) phosphorus may spontaneously ignite on contact with damp surfaces, including water or skin. Phosphorus will liberate toxic gases and vapors when heated.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 133 [Flammable Solids]:

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D003, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Phosphorus (white or yellow) is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration.

Cover with wet sand, shovel into bucket and remove to safe, open, isolated area where the phosphorus can be burnt off under supervision after drying out. Small spillages of phosphorus can be burnt off in a fume cupboard. Recommendable methods: Incineration & open burning. Not recommendable method: Landfill. Peer-review: Spontaneously flammable if dry. Mix with wet earth, allow to dry, ignite at a remote place. (Peer-review conclusions of an IRPTC expert consultation (May 1985))

White and yellow phosphorus is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration. Controlled incineration followed by alkaline scrubbing and particulate removal equipment.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

White: Caution: handle with forceps.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for PHOSPHORUS, ELEMENTAL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 133 [Flammable Solids]:

Excerpt from ERG Guide 133 [Flammable Solids]:

... Liquid petrolatum is said to retard absorption and decrease phosphorus toxicity.

It has been demonstrated that intragastric administration of cysteine hydrochloride in a dose of 50 mg/kg and sodium sulfate in a dose of 25 mg/kg with reference to sulfate ion reduced the circulatory disturbances, dystrophic and sclerotic changes in the rat liver caused by intragastric administration of yellow phosphorus at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Admin of the drugs interfered with the development of liver cirrhosis, stimulated regeneration, and raised the adaptive abilities of hepatocytes. Cysteine protected hepatocyte mitochondria from phosphorus and activated their function.

The interactive effects of copper sulfate associated with dermal absorption are equivocal. Information was located suggesting antagonistic effects of copper sulfate solutions in water, glycerol, and oil with respect to phosphorus absorption. Emulsions of 3% copper sulfate (with 1% hydroxyethyl cellulose, 5% sodium bicarbonate, and 1% lauryl sulfate) applied to white phosphorus burns also appeared to demonstrate an antagonistic interaction in one study by preventing white phosphorus-induced death in rats. However, the same emulsion solution had no beneficial effect in a later repeat of the experiment. The mechanism by which copper sulfate theoretically impedes dermal absorption of phosphorus following white phosphorus burn is the formation of a copper-phosphorus complex (Cu3P2) that will not be absorbed, is unstable and may decompose to ionic copper and phosphate when in contact with oxygen in the air

A safer and potentially more reliable antagonist to white phosphorus dermal absorption is a solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3). The mechanism is not known with certainty but is hypothesized to be formation of Ag3P, the toxic properties of which are not reported.

For more Interactions (Complete) data for PHOSPHORUS, ELEMENTAL (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Cardiovascular (Heart and Blood Vessels), Gastrointestinal (Stomach and Intestines, part of the digestive system), Gastrointestinal (Stomach and Intestines, part of the digestive system), Hepatic (Liver), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Dermal

Exposure to white phosphorus may cause liver, heart, or kidney damage. It can also result in death. Breathing white phosphorus for long periods may cause a condition known as 'phossy jaw', which involves poor wound healing of the mouth and breakdown of the jaw bone. Anemia and leukopenia in people chronically exposed to airborne white phosphorus. (L88)

White phosphorus absorbs into the body when inhaled, ingested, or through  skin contact. It is unknown whether systemic exposure can occur from eye contact.

Inhalation; dermal; ingestion. (L88)

Exposure to white phosphorus has been shown to damage the rough endoplasmic reticulum and cause a disaggregation of polyribosomes. This damage results in impairment of protein synthesis, in particular, a decrease in the synthesis of the apolipoprotein portion of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), which are required for the transport of triglycerides. This causes an accumulation of triglycerides in the liver, resulting in steatosis and fibrosis. White phosphorus also damages the mitochondia, impairing a cell’s ability to produce ATP and resulting in necrosis. The mitochondrial damage may also inhibit fatty acid oxidation, which could result in an accumulation of fat in the organs. (L88)

/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ ... This study reports on the effects of white phosphorus on reproductive function in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) in captivity. Fertility, hatching success, teratogenicity, and egg laying frequency were examined in 70 adult female mallards who received up to seven daily doses of 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg of white phosphorus. Measurements of fertility and hatchability were reduced by the white phosphorus. Teratogenic effects were observed in embryos from hens dosed at all treatment levels. Egg laying frequency was reduced even at the lowest treatment level; treated hens required a greater number of days to lay a clutch of 12 eggs than control hens. After two doses at 2.0 mg/kg, all females stopped laying completely for a minimum of 10 days, and laying frequency was depressed for at least 45 days. Fertility of 10 adult male mallards dosed with 1.0 mg/kg of white phosphorus did not differ from 10 controls, but plasma testosterone levels were significantly (p< 0.05) reduced in the treated males 1 day after dosing ended. These results provide evidence that productivity of free-ranging mallards may be impaired if they are exposed to white phosphorus at typical field levels.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Half the crustacean population died after 4.5 days exposure to water containing 20 mg phosphorus/L. Elemental phosphorus at 5-15 mg/L water disrupted feeding, reproduction, and body color among Daphnia magna Straus populations.

/FIELD STUDIES/ Extensive waterfowl mortality involving thousands of ducks, geese, and swans has occurred annually at Eagle River Flats, Alaska, USA, since at least 1982. The primary agent for this mortality has been identified as white phosphorus.

- White phosphorus fumes cause severe irritation and the sensation of a foreign body in the eye. This leads to excessive tear production (lacrimation), spasmodic blinking (blepharospasm), and increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).

- Stage 1:- Feeling of warmth or burning pain in the throat and abdomen accompanied by feelings of intense thirst;

- Expect eye and upper respiratory tract irritation.

- White phosphorus causes severely painful, partial (second degree) to full thickness (third degree) burns, which have a characteristic yellow color and garlic-like odor. Smoke may release from the burn site from the continued burning of white phosphorus or the formation of phosphoric acid.

Breathing white phosphorus for short periods may cause coughing and irritation of the throat and lungs. Eating or drinking small amounts of white phosphorus may cause stomach cramps, or drowsiness. (L88)

White phosphorus

Dermal

2 x 10 ^-5 mg/kg-day

Indicators of occupational exposure to phosphorus include depressed erythrocyte concn, elevated monocyte concn and elevated phospholipid concn in blood.

... Employment medical examination should include X-ray studies of the teeth and jaw ... . Routine dental examination should be made monthly if exposure is high or prolonged.

In a one-generation reproduction study, male and female Sprague Dawley rats (15 males and 30 females/group) were orally exposed by gavage to elemental yellow phosphorus in corn oil vehicle at dose levels of 0, 0.005, 0.015 or 0.075 mg/kg/day for 80 days prior to mating (2 females/male), and continued throughout mating, gestation and lactation periods. Due to low fertility in the first litter, the study was extended to 2 litters and dosing continued throughout the entire study. All pups were sacrificed at weaning and parental animals were sacrificed after weaning of the F1b litter. There were significant differences between treated and control animals in the following: decreased F0 male body weights (high-dose group, after 15 weeks of the study). There were no significant differences between treated and control animals in the following: parental mortality, food consumption, fertility indices, mean length of gestation, numbers of viable pups and pup survival, pup body weights, and gross or microscopic examinations at necropsy.

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Phosphorus is included on this list.

Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, use, and exposure to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329. /White phosphorus (12185-10-3)/

As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Pesticides for which EPA had not issued Registration Standards prior to the effective date of FIFRA, as amended in 1988, were divided into three lists based upon their potential for human exposure and other factors, with List B containing pesticides of greater concern and List D pesticides of less concern. Phosphorus is found on List C. Case No: 3111; Case Status: No products containing the pesticide are actively registered ... The case /is characterized/ as "cancelled." Under FIFRA, pesticide producers may voluntarily cancel their registered products. EPA also may cancel pesticide registrations if registrants fail to pay required fees or make/meet certain reregistration commitments, or if EPA reaches findings of unreasonable adverse effects.; Active ingredient (AI): phosphorus; AI Status: The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled."

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Phosphorus is included on this list.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1 lb or 0.454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

Releases of CERCLA hazardous substances are subject to the release reporting requirement of CERCLA section 103, codified at 40 CFR part 302, in addition to the requirements of 40 CFR part 355. Phosphorus is an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts in excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 100 lbs.

Phosphorus is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.

Phosphorus

A Commercial Grade

400

Explosive/Improvised Explosive Device Precursor material that, if stolen or diverted, can be converted into weapons using simple chemistry, equipment, or techniques.

Most phosphorus is used in the production of phosphoric acid and phosphates, which are used in the fertilizers industry.

The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled."

For phosphorus (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 66502) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./

White phosphorus has been used as insecticide in pastes made by grinding yellow phosphorus in presence of water and mixing with flour. Phosphorus paste was used to control American cockroach, also as rat poison.

Most (85%) of the elemental phosphorus is converted to phosphoric acid which is used directly or converted to phosphate compounds. Final applications include home laundry and automatic dishwasher detergents, industrial and institutional cleaners, food and beverages, metal cleaning and treatment, potable water and wastewater treatment, antifreeze and electronics. The remaining elemental phosphorus (15%) is used in P4-dependent applications which require the element as a direct reactant (P2S5, PCl3, POCl3, P2O5, and hypophosphite with smaller amounts leading to PH3, red phosphorus, phosphonates and other derivatives). Final applications include flame retardants, lubricant additives, insecticides, herbicides, water treatment, cleaning compounds, plasticizers, semiconductors, and surfactants.

For more Uses (Complete) data for PHOSPHORUS, ELEMENTAL (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Typical manufacturers' analysis for a straw yellow product: arsenic, 30-250 ppm; toluene insolubles, 0.01 - 0.05 wt %; oils (hydrocarbons), 30-100 ppm as carbon.

...White phosphorus contains boron, silicon, calcium, aluminum, iron, and arsenic in excess of 10 ppm as impurities... .

Because white phosphorus oxidizes rapidly, phosphorus fumes/vapors may contain phosphoric oxide and phosphorus oxide, in addition to phosphorus.

(1968) 1.55X10+10 G EXPORTED TO MEXICO

(1975) 3.27X10+10 G

(1984) 1.49X10+10 G.

1993: roughly 20,000 tons (elemental phosphorus and purified wet- acid on a phosphorus-equivalent basis)

(1968) 3.80X10+8 G ELEMENTAL PHOSPHORUS

(1975) 9.08X10+8 G

(1984) 2.12X10+9 G.

1993: 5,000 to 10,000 tons (elemental phosphorus and purified wet-acid on a phosphorus-equivalent basis)

2023: 100,000,000 - <500,000,000 lb

(1968) 5.52X10+11 G ELEMENTAL PHOSPHORUS

(1975) 4.09X10+11 G

(1984) 3.50X10+11 g

(1989) 365,000 tons /Elemental, white (yellow), and red/

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for PHOSPHORUS, ELEMENTAL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

77% IS USED IN THE PRODUCTION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID; 2% IS USED TO PRODUCE PHOSPHORUS TRICHLORIDE (FOR ORGANIC PHOSPHATES, PLASTICIZERS, GASOLINE & OIL ADDITIVES, FLOTATION AGENTS, FLAME RETARDANTS, & INSECTICIDES); 2% TO PRODUCE PHOSPHORUS PENTASULFIDE (FOR PHOSPHATE PESTICIDES, LUBRICATING OIL ADDITIVES, & FLOTATION AGENTS); 19% IN MISC APPLICATIONS (1968)

END USE PATTERN DERIVATIVE: PHOSPHORIC ACID, 85%; PHOSPHORUS PENTASULFIDE, 5%; PHOSPHORUS TRICHLORIDE, 5%; MISC, 5% (1984-ESTIMATE)

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Phosphorus. Thermal phosphoric acid, 82%; (sodium phosphates, 70%; direct phosphoric acid sales, 20%; calcium ammonium and potassium phosphates, 10%); direct reaction chemical production, including phosphorus trichloride, pentasulfide and pentoxide, 12%; exports, 6%.

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Phosphorus. Demand: 1987: 340,000 tons; 1988: 330,000 tons; 1992 /projected/: 310,000 tons (Includes exports; in addition, between 4,000 and 5,000 tons were imported in 1987, mostly from Canada).

Thermal phosphoric acid, 85% (sodium phosphates, 55%; direct phosphoric acid sales, 25%; calcium, ammonium and potassium phosphates, 20%); direct reaction chemical production, including phosphorus trichloride, pentasulfide and pentoxide, 15%.

White phosphorus: (1) Produced in an electric furnace from phosphate rock, sand, and coke. The phosphorus vapor is driven off and condensed under water. (2) By reaction of phosphate rock with sulfuric acid, the resulting calcium sulfate being removed by filtration and the phosphoric acid concentrated by evaporation (wet process).

Red phosphorus is produced by heating white crystalline phosphorus to about 400 °C under an atmosphere of an oxygen-free inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon.

Black phosphorus: Produced from the white modification under high pressures.

Technical 99.9%; electronic grade 99.9999%

WHITE OR YELLOW IS THE SIGNIFICANT COMMERCIAL FORM OF ELEMENTAL PHOSPHORUS WITH A 99.8% MINIMUM PURITY.