Description

Phosphine (PH3)

Risks of Phosphine (PH3)

Phosphine (or Phosphorus trihydride) is a non-organic compound with the formula Ph3 which takes the form of a colourless gas under ordinary temperature and pressure conditions. Phosphine is slightly heavier than air and is colourless in its pure form but has a particularly unpleasant smell similar to dead fish or garlic when it contains impurities.

Professional use of Phosphine (PH3)

Phosphine is used as a fumigation agent for grains, foodstuffs and tobacco due to its insecticide, acaricide and rodenticide properties – however, the product is no longer permitted for use in farming in France. It is also used in the semi-conductors sector (as a doping agent) and the chemical processing sector (in organic synthesis).

Risks of Phosphine

Phosphine is an extremely toxic gas for the human body and mammals in general for which there is no antidote. It is also a very flammable gas considered to be Pyrophoric. Moreover, Phosphine can explode under the effect of heat.

Effects on the body

  • Fatigue, vomiting, headaches, chest tightness, pulmonary oedema, neurological problems, seizures in case of low exposure
  • Central nervous system disorders and cardiac arrhythmia which can be fatal
  • Frostbite affecting the eyes and skin when the gas is in liquid form