Aluminium Phosphide

Aluminium Phosphide Latest News

Recently, doctors at the PGIMER achieved a global breakthrough in treating aluminium phosphide (Celphos) poisoning with intravenous lipid emulsion therapy.

About Aluminium Phosphide 

• Aluminium phosphide is commonly known as Celphos.

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Characteristics of Aluminium Phosphide 

• It is a yellow or dark grey crystalline solid that has a garlic-like odour. 
• It is a cheap, effective and commonly used pesticide.
• It liberates lethal phosphine gas when it comes in contact either with atmospheric moisture or with hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
  • Phosphine gas, which is highly flammable, and very toxic in nature
  • The mechanism of toxicity includes cellular hypoxia due to the effect on mitochondria, inhibition of cytochrome C oxidase and formation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. 

• Impact on Human Health: Aluminium phosphide poisoning continues to be a serious public-health challenge, particularly in agricultural states such as Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Uses of Aluminium Phosphide 

• Aluminum Phosphide (ALP) is a highly toxic fumigant which is used commonly as an indoor pesticide in agriculture based industry for storage of grains.
• It is often dispersed in pellets; the pellets react with moisture which produces toxic phosphine gas. 
• Aluminium phosphide is also used to make semi-conductor materials such as light-emitting diodes.

Source: IE