White phosphorus is a colourless-to-white waxy solid with a garlic-like smell that is flammable in the air and glows in the dark.
Phosphorus is a non-metallic chemical element with symbol P and atomic number 15. As a mineral, it is almost always present in its maximally oxidised state, as inorganic phosphate rocks. Elemental phosphorus exists in two major forms—white phosphorus and red phosphorus—but due to its high reactivity, phosphorus is never found as a free element on Earth.
Pure white phosphorus is a colourless-to-white waxy solid, but commercial white phosphorus is usually yellow. Therefore, it is also known as yellow phosphorus. White phosphorus is also called phosphorus tetramer and has a garlic-like smell. In air, it catches fire at temperatures l0–15 degrees above room temperature. Because of its high reactivity with oxygen in air, white phosphorus is generally stored under water. White phosphorus does not occur naturally. Industries produce it from naturally occurring phosphate rocks. White phosphorus glows in the dark (when exposed to oxygen) with a very faint tinge of green and blue.
White phosphorus is mainly used to produce phosphoric acid and other chemicals, which are used in fertilisers, food and drink additives, and cleaning products. Small amounts are used in rat and roach poisons and fireworks. Formerly used in match production, it has been replaced by a less harmful chemical. White phosphorus is also used in military ammunition, such as mortar shells, artillery, and grenades.
White phosphorus can enter the environment through manufacturing, military use, or accidental spills during transport. It can be found in water and sediment near facilities that produce or use it. In air, white phosphorus quickly reacts with oxygen to form harmless chemicals. In water, it breaks down within hours or days, but in low-oxygen water, it can form toxic phosphine gas, which eventually evaporates and transforms into less harmful substances. White phosphorus can accumulate slightly in fish, and in soil, it binds to particles and transforms into less harmful compounds within days. However, in deep or oxygen-poor soils, it can remain unchanged for years.
White phosphorus enters the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Systemic exposure via eye contact is unknown.
No available data on carcinogenicity in humans or animals. White phosphorus is classified as Group D by the EPA, meaning it’s not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
Use closed systems and exhaust ventilation to keep exposure below limits. Ensure proximity to emergency eye wash stations and showers.
EPA: The Environmental Protection Agency has listed white phosphorus as a Hazardous Air pollutant. The EPA requires that spills or accidental releases into the environment of 1 pound or more of white phosphorus be reported to the EPA.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have all set the inhalation exposure limit for white phosphorus in the workplace during an 8-hour workday at 0.1 milligram of white phosphorus per cubic meter of air (0.1 mg/m³).
Safe Work Australia: Safe Work Australia has set an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) concentration of 0.1 mg/m³.
