White phosphorus is a colorless, white, or yellow waxy solid with a garlic-like odor. It does not occur naturally, but is manufactured from phosphate rocks.
White phosphorus reacts rapidly with oxygen, easily catching fire at temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above room temperature.
White phosphorus is used by the
military in various types of ammunition, and to produce smoke for concealing troop movements and identifying targets.
It is also used by industry to produce phosphoric acid and other chemicals for use in fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning compounds. Small amounts of white phosphorus were used in the past in pesticides and fireworks.
White phosphorus is a waxy solid which burns easily and is used in chemical manufacturing and smoke munitions. Exposure to white phosphorus may cause
burns and irritation,
liver,
kidney,
heart,
lung, or
bone damage, and
death. White phosphorus has been found in at least 77 of the 1,416 National Priorities List
sites identified by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
See a doctor if you have been harmed by this substance. In addition, it
may be important to
contact an attorney who
can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there
may be
timelimits within which you must commence suit.
Attorneys associatedwith InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case
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Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
See Also
- Toxic & Hazardous Substances
- Bone, Joint & Muscle Disorders: Overview
- Burns: Overview
- Digestive Disorders: Overview
- Fatigue: Overview
- Heart Problems
- Kidney & Urinary Tract Disorders
- Liver & Gallbladder Disorders
- Lung & Airway Disorders
- Mouth & Dental Disorders: Overview
- White Phosphorus: Freqently Asked Questions