White Phosphorus

White Phosphorus Latest News

Recently, the Human Rights Watch  accused Israel of “unlawfully” using white phosphorus over residential parts of a southern Lebanese town.

About White Phosphorus 

• White (sometimes called yellow) phosphorus is a white to yellow waxy solid with a garlic like odour.
• Properties: It ignites spontaneously in air at temperatures above 30 °C and continues to burn until it is fully oxidized or until deprived of oxygen.

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Applications of  White phosphorus

• It is often used by militaries to illuminate battlefields, to generate a smokescreen and as an incendiary.
• It is used for military purposes in grenades and artillery shells to produce illumination, to generate a smokescreen and as an incendiary.
• Its major industrial uses are in the production of phosphoric acid, phosphates and other compounds.
• Phosphates are used to manufacture a range of products including fertilizers and detergents. Phosphorus has been used as a rodenticide and in fireworks.

Impact of White phosphorus on Humans

• It is harmful to humans by all routes of exposure.
• The smoke from burning phosphorus is also harmful to the eyes and respiratory tract due to the presence of phosphoric acids and phosphine.
• It can cause deep and severe burns, penetrating even through bone.

Source: TH