Dust entry

Phosphine gas

A toxic, highly flammable gas that can be released from several solid phosphides and is used in fumigation and semiconductor work.

Airborne form

gas

The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.

Health effects

respiratory irritationpulmonary edemacardiovascular effectscentral nervous system effectsgastrointestinal effectskidney injuryvisual, speech, and motor disturbances

Evidence

NIOSH describes phosphine as a colorless gas, notes that several solid phosphides release it, and reports respiratory irritation, lung fluid accumulation, cardiovascular effects, nervous-system effects, and gastrointestinal effects after inhalation.

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Agent Properties; Signs/Symptoms · Physical description and Signs/Symptoms

Colorless gas. Several solids (phosphides) release phosphine gas. Inhaling phosphine causes respiratory irritation, compromises heart (cardiac) and circulatory functions, depresses the central nervous system, and produces severe gastrointestinal pain.

NIOSH states that phosphine is not classifiable as a carcinogen and describes chronic-exposure effects including bronchitis, anemia, kidney failure, and visual, speech, and motor disturbances.

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Chronic Exposure · 1

Although phosphine is not classifiable as a carcinogen ... chronic exposure ... may result in low red blood cell counts (anemia), inflammation of the large airways (bronchitis), gastrointestinal disturbances, kidney failure, and visual, speech, and motor disturbances.

Controls

isolate the area until gas has dispersed
use appropriate gas and particulate respiratory protection
stop leaks only without risk to personnel
call emergency and poison-response services