Phosphine: properties - effects - dangers

Chemical properties of phosphine

Phosphine, or what is called hydrogen phosphide, is considered a very toxic gas. It is colorless and flammable. It has an odor similar to the strong, unbearable smell of garlic, in addition to having a structural formula similar to the structural formula of ammonia; However, it is considered a weak solvent and also does not dissolve well in water, and phosphine is formed as a result of the interaction of white phosphorus with a strong base or with hot water, or as a result of the interaction of water with calcium phosphide, and when phosphine bonds with other organic compounds, it is called phosphine derivatives, where it is possible One of the bonds with hydrogen atoms is replaced by one of these groups, and single, double or triple bonds can be formed, and the resulting compound is called by adding the first syllable of the compound that was attached to it, and in the case of mineral salts linking, the resulting compounds are called phosphide compounds, and when hydrogen atoms are connected, the products are called compounds phosphonium;

Phosphine's Health Effects

When exposed to phosphine, some health problems will result, including:

1.      Exposure to phosphine gas results in respiratory, nervous, and digestive problems as well.

2.     The resulting symptoms may include headache and dizziness, fatigue and drowsiness, a feeling of burning in the bronchi, nausea and vomiting, a feeling of discomfort in the digestive system, coughing with green phlegm, difficulty breathing and chest tightness, and others.

3.     Continuous exposure to phosphine may cause weight loss and effects on the liver and kidneys.

4.     There is no evidence that phosphine is a carcinogen.

Expected dangers when using phosphine

Among the risks expected when dealing with phosphine are the following:

·       Exposing phosphine to heat or combustion produces toxic fumes.

·       Phosphine is a highly explosive substance. The explosion may occur when interacting with air, heating the containers in which it is stored, or rupturing the cylinders in which it is placed.