White Phosphorus

White phosphorus is a material made from a common allotrope of the chemical element phosphorus, with chemical symbol P_4. 

It is a toxic, yellowish, waxy solid that ignites spontaneously in air and glows in the dark. It is used by the military in various types of ammunition because it spontaneously catches fire in air.

Breathing white phosphorus for short periods may cause coughing and irritation of the throat and lungs. Breathing white phosphorus for long periods may cause a condition known as "phossy jaw" which involves poor wound healing of the mouth and breakdown of the jaw bone.

Eating or drinking small amounts of white phosphorus may cause liver, heart, or kidney damage, vomiting, stomach cramps, drowsiness, or death. We do not know what the effects are from eating or drinking very small amounts of white phosphorus-containing substances over long periods of time. Skin contact with burning white phosphorus may burn skin or cause liver, heart, and kidney damage.

It is a systemic (blood) agent. Its initial explosion can produce extensive, deep second and third degree burns that carry a great risk of death due to the absorption of phosphorus into the body through the burned area, resulting in liver, heart and kidney damage, and in some severe cases multiple organ failure. White phosphorus continues to burn unless deprived of oxygen or until it is completely consumed. Smoke inhalation can cause illnesses or death. White phosphorus smoke irritates the eyes, mucous membranes of the nose, and respiratory tract in moderate concentrations, while higher concentrations can produce severe burns.

This chemical was used in the Gaza War (2008-2009) where phosphorus shells exploded over populated civilian areas, including a crowded Palestinian refugee camp and a United Nations school where civilians were seeking refuge. Also, the injuries were suspected in the cases of ten burn victims. 


When white phosphorus enters the environment through the discharge of wastewater, it ends up in surface waters near the factories that use it. It is not likely to spread, because it reacts with oxygen fairly quickly. When phosphorus ends up in air through exhausts it will usually react with oxygen right away to be converted into less harmful particles. However, when phosphorus particles are in air they may have a protective coating that prevents chemical reactions. In soil phosphorus will remain for several days before it is converted into less harmful substances. But in deep soils and the bottom of rivers and lakes phosphorus may remain for a thousand years or so.

There is no antidote for white phosphorus toxicity.