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Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

Toxic Gases & Vapors -> Hydrides

Flammable agents - 4th degree

-> NIOSH Emergency Response Categories

Pesticide -> EPA IRIS

Insecticides

Active substance -> EU Pesticides database: Approved

Disagreeable, garlic-like odor.

Almost odorless in purest form, but odor of decaying fish when occurring industrially.

Foul odor of decaying fish

Fish- or garlic-like odor [Note: Pure compound is odorless].

0.746 at -130 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float

1.390 g/L at 25 °C

Density: 1.529 g/L at 0 °C

Density (gas): 1.53 kg/m³

Relative density (water = 1): 0.8

0.746 at -130 °F

Colorless gas; flammable

Colorless gas [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas].

Slight (NIOSH, 2024)

Slightly soluble in water (0.26 volume at 20 °C)

Insoluble in water

Slightly soluble in cold water. Insoluble in hot water.

Soluble in alcohol, ether, and cuprous chloride solution

Slightly soluble in ethanol, ether

Flammable gas

NA (Gas)

-126 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)

-87.75 °C

-87.7 °C

-126 °F

-87.75 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-126 °F

Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions - Oxides of phosphorus.

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /phosphorus oxides/.

-207 °F (EPA, 1998)

-133.8 °C

-132.5 °C

-133 °C

-209 °F

-133.8 °C

Danger

H220: Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]

P203, P210, P222, P260, P264, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P320, P321, P363, P377, P381, P391, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Danger

H220 (100%): Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]

P203, P210, P222, P260, P264, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P320, P321, P363, P377, P381, P391, P403, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Chemical: Phosphine

Hazard Traits - Hematotoxicity; Hepatotoxicity and Digestive System Toxicity; Nephrotoxicity and Other Toxicity to the Urinary System; Neurotoxicity; Respiratory Toxicity

Council Directive (EEC) No 414/1991 (Repealed by Reg. EC No 1107/2009 (amended))

Phosphine is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Phosphine are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Dossier complete 08/566/EC, Reg. (EU) 2018/155, Reg. (EU) 2024/324, Reg. (EU) No 1043/2012, Reg. (EU) No 2023/114

Status: Active Update: 20-04-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/18616

IMAP assessments - Phosphine: Environment tier I assessment

- Indoor Air: Phosphine can be released into indoor air as a gas.

Phosphine can explode with powerful oxidizers. The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground to an ignition source. Container may explode in heat of fire. When heated to decomposition, it emits highly toxic fumes of phosphorus oxides. Reacts violently with: air; boron trichloride; bromine; chlorine; chlorine monoxide; nitric acid; nitric oxide; nitrous oxide; nitrogen trioxide; silver nitrate; nitrous acid; mercuric nitrate; nitrogen trichloride; oxygen; and (potassium plus ammonia). Stable up to 131F. May become unstable at high temperatures. (EPA, 1998)

· Flammable; may be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.

Extremely flammable. May ignite spontaneously on contact with air. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Gas/air mixtures are explosive.

Very dangerous fire hazard by spontaneous chemical reaction.

Moderately explosive when exposed to flame.

Pure phosphine does not spontaneously ignite in air below 150 °C unless it is thoroughly dried, when it ignites in cold air. The presence of traces (0.2%) of diphosphane in phosphine as normally prepared causes it to ignite spontaneously in air, even at below -15 °C ... Traces of oxidants promote pyrophoricity.

Spontaneously flammable in air if there is trace of /diphosphane/ present; burns with luminous flame.

Flammable gas. Pyrophoric; may ignite spontaneously in air or accumulate and explode in air without source of ignition.

Phosphine is a super- toxic gas with a probable oral lethal dose of 5 mg/kg or 7 drops for a 150 pound person. An air concentration of 3 ppm is safe for long term exposure, 500 ppm is lethal in 30 minutes, and a concentration of 1,000 ppm is lethal after a few breaths. (EPA, 1998)

· TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Some may cause severe skin burns and eye damage.

Phosphine is a colorless, flammable, and explosive gas at ambient temperature that has the odor of garlic or decaying fish. Small amounts occur naturally from the break down of organic matter. It is slightly soluble in water. Phosphine is used in semiconductor and plastics industries, in the production of a flame retardant, and as a pesticide in stored grain.

Phosphine is used as an insecticide for the fumigation of grains, animal feed, and leaf-stored tobacco. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to phosphine may cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, burning substernal pain, nausea, vomiting, cough, labored breathing, chest tightness, pulmonary irritation, pulmonary edema, and tremors in humans. Convulsions may ensue after an apparent recovery. Chronic (long-term) occupational exposure of workers to phosphine may cause inflammation of the nasal cavity and throat, weakness, dizziness, nausea, gastrointestinal, cardiorespiratory, and central nervous system symptomology, jaundice, liver effects, and increased bone density. EPA has classified phosphine as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.

Phosphine is a respiratory tract irritant that attacks primarily the cardiovascular and respiratory systems causing peripheral vascular collapse, cardiac arrest and failure, and pulmonary edema. [ATSDR Medical Management] Fumigation workers exposed to phosphine experienced respiratory symptoms of 'suffocation,' difficulty breathing, and tightness around the chest lasting up to 3 hours post-exposure and neurological symptoms of headache and giddiness lasting from 10 minutes to 3 hours. Fatal inhalation exposures to aluminum phosphide fumigation have been reported in ship cargo holds. [ACGIH] Phosphine may be released when the following chemicals are spilled in water: calcium phosphide, aluminum phosphide, sodium phosphide, magnesium aluminum phosphide, magnesium phosphide, potassium phosphide, and strontium phosphide. [ERG 2016] Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] Phosphides (aluminum, magnesium, and zinc) are used as fumigants and rodenticides. They are major causes of accidental and suicidal poisoning in India and developing countries. The lowest lethal oral doses reported in adults are 500 mg for aluminum phosphide and 4 g for zinc phosphide. Phosphide causes vomiting, diarrhea, and shock after ingestion. Later symptoms are ARDS, acute renal failure, hepatitis, convulsions, and coma. Methemoglobinemia has been reported. [Olson, p. 372-3]

2199 119

2199 119

Wear full protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber gloves, boots, and bands around legs, arms, and waist. No skin surface should be exposed. For massive fires in cargo areas, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Move containers from fire area.

Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

- Phosphine is extremely flammable and explosive.

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Administration of oxygen may be needed. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

Warning: Effects may be delayed for several hours. Caution is advised.

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

0.1 [ppm]

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

Use water spray to cool unopened containers.

To fight fire, use /carbon dioxide/, dry chemical, or water spray.

For more Fire Fighting Procedures (Complete) data for Phosphine (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Contents under pressure. Storage class (TRGS 510): Gases.

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from acids, alkalies, and halogenated compounds. Outside or detached storage is preferred.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Clean up promptly by sweeping or vacuum.

Arsine and phosphine were removed from waste gases of semiconductor manufacture by ozone oxidation and carbon adsorption.

Porous supports (pearlite or aluminum oxide) impregnated with aqueous silver nitrate, or with aqueous ferric chloride containing other metal salts are used for purging of phosphine in waste gas from a semiconductor plant.

Poisonous gases, including phosphine, are diluted with nitrogen or neon and injected into an aqueous foaming agent, preferably under paraffin.

Wear special protective clothing and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. ... Stop or control the leak, if this can be done without undue risk. Use water spray to cool and disperse vapors and protect personnel. Approach release from upwind.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number P096, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Product: Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

A potential candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. A potential candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids.

Surplus gas or leaking cylinder can be vented slowly to air in a safe, open area or gas burnt off through a suitable burner in a fume cupboard. Recommendable methods: Evaporation & open burning. Not recommendable method: Landfill. Peer-review: Dilute with much air prior to evaporation. Care: Highly toxic gas, may be spontaneously flammable in air. (Peer-review conclusions of an IRPTC expert consultation (May 1985))

Inhalation of phosphine may cause severe pulmonary irritation leading to acute pulmonary oedema, cardiovascular dysfunction, CNS excitation, coma and death. Gastrointestinal disorders, renal damage and leukopenia may also occur. Chronic exposure to phosphine can result in anemia, bronchitis, gastrointestinal effects, and visual, speech and motor problems. (L980, L982)

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Phosphine is a gas(1) and, therefore, is expected to dissipate rapidly from both moist and dry soil(SRC). Studies have shown that sub-surface phosphine may bind to soil(2-3).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: The sorption and desorption of phosphine from wheat treated with a concentration of 0.5-5 mg/kg wheat were determined at 25, 45, and 85 °C. The desorbed phosphine was extracted from the air by passing through a cold trap. Most of the phosphine was desorbed in the first 2-3 days but small amounts continued to desorb for many weeks following treatment. After 220 days of aeration, phosphine was still present and desorbing. Even when the temp was increased to 85 °C for several days, unreacted phosphine still desorbed slowly from wheat. Corn aerated 26 days desorbed 0.004 ng/g in 2 days.

AQUATIC FATE: Phosphine is a gas and, therefore, is expected to dissipate rapidly from water surfaces(1). Biodegradation, hydrolysis and bioconcentration are not expected to be important fate processes when compared to dissipation(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Phosphine is a gas at ambient temperature(1). Gas-phase phosphine is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals and has a reported atmospheric half-life of 5 hours(2).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

inhalation, skin and/or eye contact (liquid)

Phosphine can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. Direct contact with phosphine liquid may cause frostbite.

Oral (L1645) ; inhalation (L1645) ; dermal (L1645)

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Phosphine is a colorless gas with a garlic-like odor. Phosphine is a fumigant, used indoors to control a broad spectrum of insects for non-food/non-feed commodities in sealed containers or structures. It is also used as a doping agent for electronic components, in chemical synthesis, and as an intermediate for the preparation of several flame retardants. HUMAN STUDIES: Direct contact with phosphine liquid may cause frostbite. Toxic exposures to phosphine have been documented as a result of grain fumigation, attempted suicide, and ferrosilicon decomposition. Potential symptoms of overexposure are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, thirst, chest tightness, dyspnea, muscle pain, chills, stupor or syncope, and pulmonary edema. A productive cough with fluorescent green sputum, acute dyspnea, and pulmonary edema may develop. Death may be preceded by tonic convulsions, which may ensue after apparent recovery. Death may occur after 1/2 to 1 hr of exposure at concentrations of 400 to 600 ppm. Serious effects may be produced by exposure to 5 to 10 ppm for several hours. Main histopathologic findings of fatal phosphine poisoning in the liver are fine cytoplasmic vacuolization of hepatocytes and sinusoidal congestion. Fumigant applicators had significantly increased stable chromosome rearrangements, primarily translocations in G-banded lymphocytes. Less stable aberrations included chromatid deletions and gaps but these were significantly increased only during the application season, and not at later time points. Exposure of human lymphocytes to phosphine (1.4 to 4.5 ug/L) for 20 mins yielded increased chromosome aberrations after 96 hr of lymphocyte culture, indicating that the expression of genotoxicity of phosphine is delayed. ANIMAL STUDIES: In rats, signs of exposure were typical of respiratory irritation and included hyperemia of the ears, salivation, lacrimation, face-pawing, and dyspnea. Rats exposed to phosphine repeatedly at 4 ppm for 4 hours daily on 9 of 12 days exhibited a slightly reduced weight gain, which returned to normal during the 14-day recovery period. Signs of mild respiratory irritation were observed in these animals. One study of animal teratogenicity with exposure as high as 4.9 ppm during days 6 to 15 of gestation in rats showed neither maternal toxicity nor developmental toxicity. In an in vitro cytogenetic assay with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, phosphine was positive at 2500 and 5000 ppm without metabolic activation. This resulted in a significant, but not dose-related increase in the frequency of cells with structural chromosome aberrations. Significant clastogenic effects were also noted at 2500 ppm with metabolic activation, but not at the highest dose tested (5000 ppm). Increased micronucleus (MN) induction in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) was seen following subchronic exposure to phosphine in male mice at 5.0 ppm, and female mice at 2.5 and 5.0 ppm. In rats, MN elevation in bone marrow PCE and pulmonary alveolar macrophages was seen at 1.0 and 4.0 ppm, respectively, following subchronic exposure. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: Three turkeys were exposed to phosphine at a concentration of 211 mg/cu m and 6 hens at 224 mg/cu m in an acute inhalation study. The turkeys exhibited apathy, restlessness, dyspnea, and tonic-clonic convulsions, and died after 68, 74, and 80 min, respectively. Hens exhibited tonic-clonic convulsions and died after an average of 59 min. Their organs were also congested with oxygenated blood. In rice seeds, phosphine has inhibitory effects on seed germination. In addition, phosphine exposure caused oxidative stress in the seeds.

Phosphine inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, preventing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. This non-competitive inhibition prevents cellular respiration and leads to multi-organ dysfunction. Phosphine can also react with hydrogen peroxide to form the highly reactive hydroxyl radical, which can cause lipid peroxidation. (A291, A292)

/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ Three turkeys /were exposed/ to phosphine at a concentration of 211 mg/cu m and 6 hens at 224 mg/cu m in an acute inhalation study. The turkeys exhibited apathy, restlessness, dyspnea, and tonic-clonic convulsions, and died after 68, 74, and 80 min, respectively. When examined, organs were congested with oxygenated blood. Hens exhibited tonic-clonic convulsions and died after an average of 59 min (range, 50-64 min). Their organs were also congested with oxygenated blood.

/PLANTS/ Ambient levels of phosphine (PH3) in the air, phosphine emission fluxes from paddy fields and rice plants, and the distribution of matrix-bound phosphine (MBP) in paddy soils were investigated throughout the growing stages of rice. The relationships between MBP and environmental factors were analyzed to identify the principal factors determining the distribution of MBP. The phosphine ambient levels ranged from 2.368 +/- 0.6060 ng/cu m to 24.83 +/- 6.529 ng/cu m and averaged 14.25 +/- 4.547 ng/cu m. The highest phosphine emission flux was 22.54 +/- 3.897 ng/sq m/hr, the lowest flux was 7.64 +/- 4.83 ng/sq m/hr, and the average flux was 14.17 +/- 4.977 ng/sq m/hr. Rice plants transport a significant portion of the phosphine emitted from the paddy fields. The highest contribution rate of rice plants to the phosphine emission fluxes reached 73.73% and the average contribution was 43.00%. The average MBP content of 111.6 ng/kg fluctuated significantly in different stages of rice growth and initially increased then decreased with increasing depth. The peak MBP content in each growth stage occurred approximately 10 cm under the surface of paddy soils. Pearson correlation analyses and stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that soil temperature (Ts), acid phosphatase (ACP) and total phosphorus (TP) were the principal environmental factors, with correlative rankings of Ts>ACP>TP.

/PLANTS/ Rice seeds (Tianyou, 3618) were used to examine the physiological and biochemical responses to phosphine exposure during germination. A control (0 mg/cu m) and four concentrations of phosphine (1.4 mg/cu m, 4.2 mg/cu m, 7.0 mg/cu m and 13.9 mg/cu m) were used to treat the rice seeds. Each treatment was applied for 90 min once per day for five days. The germination rate (GR); germination potential (GP); germination index (GI); antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT); and lipid peroxidation measured through via malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined as indicators of the physiological and biochemical responses of the rice seeds to phosphine exposure. These indicators were determined once per day for five days. The results indicated that the GR, GP and GI of the rice seeds markedly decreased after phosphine exposure. The changes in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes due to the phosphine exposure were also significant. The exposure lowered the CAT and SOD activities and increased POD activity in the treated rice seeds compared with controls. The MDA content exhibited a slow increase trend with the increase of phosphine concentration. These results suggest that phosphine has inhibitory effects on seed germination. In addition, phosphine exposure caused oxidative stress in the seeds. The antioxidant enzymes could play a pivotal role against oxidative injury. Overall, the effect of phosphine on rice seeds is different from what has been reported previously for insects and mammals.

Headache. Dizziness. Nausea. Diarrhoea. Chest pain. Shortness of breath. Irregular heartbeat. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea; thirst; chest tightness, dyspnea (breathing difficulty); muscle pain, chills; stupor or syncope; pulmonary edema; liquid: frostbite

- Phosphine gas produces no known adverse effects on the eyes.

- Phosphine is present as a gas at room temperature, so ingestion is unlikely.

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Status of Agents Search page, which tabulates the results and current status of tests such as "Short-Term Toxicity Studies", "Long-term Carcinogenicity Studies", "Developmental Studies", "Genetic Toxicology Studies", etc., performed with this chemical. Testing status for phosphine is available.[Available from, as of May 30, 2017: https://ntpsearch.niehs.nih.gov/?e=True&ContentType=Testing+Status]

Phosphine

3 x 10 ^-4 mg/kg-day

3 x 10 ^-4 mg/m^3

P096; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when phosphine, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to federal and/or state hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any container or inner liner used to hold this waste or any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5(e)).

Tolerances are established for residues of phosphine in or on the following raw agricultural commodities (RACs) resulting from post-harvest fumigation for the control of insects with phosphine gas or phosphide compounds that produce phosphine gas.[Table#3029]

Tolerances are established for residues of the fumigant in or on all RACs resulting from preharvest treatment of pest burrows in agricultural and non-crop land areas.[Table#3030]

Residues resulting from fumigation of processed food:[Table#3031]

Residues resulting from fumigation of animal feed:[Table#3032]

For more FIFRA Requirements (Complete) data for Phosphine (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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. Phosphine 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 100 lb or 45.4 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. Phosphine is an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts in excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 500 lbs.

Phosphine

1

10000

0.67

15

Flammable chemical that can be released at a facility.

... Phosphine-induced hemoglobin denaturation, oxidation to methemoglobin, and formation of a peculiar pigmented form of hemoglobin "Verdichromogen" /was described/. Studies of purified hemoglobin ... showed that with incr duration of exposure, phosphine in concn as low as 0.11 uM gradually resulted in the formation of hemichrome pigment. In intact red blood cells ... formation of Heinz bodies (hemoglobin protein aggregates) /was noted/ at PH3 concn as low as 2 ug/mL. The toxicant effects both in intact cells and in purified hemoglobin were abolished by incubation in a reduced oxygen atmosphere, indicating an oxygen requirement for phosphine hemoglobin toxicity.

... Absorbed phosphine is rapidly metabolized into phosphite and hypophosphite. ...

Metal phosphides are hydrolysed to phosphine and the corresponding metal cation. In rats, phosphine that is not excreted in the expired air is oxidized and appears in the urine, chiefly as hypophosphite and phosphite.

Phosphine and metal phosphides may be absorbed following ingestion or inhalation, then distribute to the nervous system, liver, and kidney. In the body, metal phosphides are hydrolysed to phosphine, and phosphine is oxidized to hypophosphite and phosphite. Metabolites are excreted in the urine, while unchanged phosphine is exhaled. (L982)

Studies with (32)P-phosphine showed that residues did remain in grain after proper ventilation ... Residues were ... incorporated into the tissues of mice that ate fumigated flour. The excreta were highly radioactive at first, but activity disappeared about 3 weeks after feeding was stopped.

Phosphine is used as an insecticide for the fumigation of grains, animal feed, and leaf-stored tobacco, and as a rodenticide. Phosphine is also used as an intermediate in the synthesis of flame retardants for cotton fabrics, as a doping agent for n-type semiconductors, a polymerization initiator, and a condensation catalyst.

Phosphine is used as a fumigant and as a dopant in microelectronics manufacturing. Also, law enforcement officers dismantling methamphetamine production labs have died from inhalation of phosphine. Veterinarians were exposed to phosphine gas while treating animals that ingested phosphide salts. [ACGIH] Phosphine is produced by reacting water or acid with metallic phosphides. It may be formed during the production of acetylene gas. Phosphine is used in the semiconductor industry to introduce phosphorus into silicon crystals as an intentional impurity. It also is used as a fumigant and a polymerization initiator. [ATSDR Medical Management] If phosphoric acid is used as a catalyst, phosphine can be formed in the strongly reducing atmosphere of the hot emissions. In air, phosphine rapidly oxidizes to phosphorus oxide. [IARC 2012: Iron and steel founding]

Molding and Core Making [Category: Foundry]

Insecticides

For phosphine (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 66500) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for 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./

The end-use product is a poisonous liquefied gas under pressure, and is a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) due to the acute inhalation toxicity of phosphine gas.

2023: <75,000 lb

Non-confidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) information on the production and use of chemicals manufactured or imported into the United States. Chemical: Phosphine. National Production Volume: 140,652 lb/yr.

Non-confidential 2016 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) information on the production and use of chemicals manufactured or imported into the United States. Chemical: Phosphine:

Prepared from white phosphorus and aqueous alkali hydroxide; also by treatment of /phosphonium iodide with potassium hydroxide/ ... ; by pyrolysis of phosphorous acid ... ; by hydrolysis of metal phosphide such as calcium phosphide.

By action of freshly formed hydrogen or of caustic potash on phosphorus.

By reaction of certain metal phosphides with water; hydrolysis of phosphorus in a base such as sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2 (hydrated lime); and reduction of red phosphorus in hot phosphoric acid solution.

... Common industrial methods are based on disproportionation reactions of elemental phosphorus catalyzed by alkalies or acids.

... Generated from aluminum phosphide and ammonium carbamate in the presence of moisture.

ECO2FUME Fumigant Gas (Cytec Industries Inc.): Active ingredient: phosphine 2%.

VAPORPH3OS Phosphine Fumigant (Cytec Industries Inc.): Active ingredient: phosphine 99.3%.

Electronic grade: 99.995% and 99.999%.

Industrial Gas Manufacturing

Phosphine: ACTIVE

A synthetic dye, chrysaniline yellow, is sometimes called phosphine.

The commercial product is a tablet of aluminum phosphide and ammonium carbamate impregnated with paraffin. Upon reaction with water or atmospheric moisture, phosphine is released. The ammonium carbamate decomposes to carbon dioxide and ammonia, and these gases prevent the phosphine generated from igniting spontaneously.

... It may be generated from aluminum or zinc phosphide and water for grain fumigation. It may be present in phosphorus as a polymer or generated at low rates under alkaline conditions and at a temperature of 85 °C. The generation of acetylene from calcium carbide containing calcium phosphide as an impurity and metal processing procedures in which phosphides are formed are the most frequent sources of industrial hygiene problems with phosphine.