Skip to main content

Currently Skimming:

2 White Phosphorus Smoke
Pages 18-44

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 18...
... Volume ~ of this series reviewed the toxicity associated with the inhalation of red phosphorus smoke (NRC 1997~. M I LITARY APPLICATIONS The military uses smokes, such as WP, to protect friendly forces, support deception operations, identify enemy targets and tactical locations, and obscure certain reconnaissance activities, surveillance, and targets from enemy forces.
From page 19...
... EPA does not expect community exposures to be severe at a distance of greater than 300 m; however, particularly susceptible individuals might experience respiratory irritation even at a distance of 5,000 m (EPA 19901. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES CAS no.: 12185-10-3 Synonyms: yellow phosphorus, phosphorus Chemical formula: tetramer Chemical weight: Physical state: Density at 20°C: Melting point: Boiling point: Vapor pressure (20°C)
From page 20...
... smokes are similar; both are primarily phosphoric acids, present as a complex mixture of polymeric forms. WP reacts more rapidly in air Otis= 5 min)
From page 21...
... To estimate P2O5, Armstrong and White (1935) captured the phosphorus smoke on dry asbestos filters and brought the residue into solution by rinsing with water and then boiling the solution for 30 min.
From page 22...
... TOXICITY SUMMARY WHITE PHOSPHORUS AND WHITE PHOSPHORUS SMOKE WHITE PHOSPHORUS: HUMAN AND ANIMAL STUDIES Generally, WP is highly toxic when individuals accidentally or intention ally ingest a single dose, in contrast to RP, which is insoluble and not absorbed when ingested (Simon and Pickering 1976; Wasti et al.
From page 23...
... No studies have investigated the lethal effects of inhalation of WP by humans nor have they reported possible effects from short-term exposures; such effects might include respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematological, hepatic, renal, dermal and ocular, immunological, neurological, reproductive, developmental, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects. However, long-term occupational exposure to airborne phosphorus vapors present in the atmosphere of a factory has been found to produce a degenerative condition resulting in necrosis of the jaw, known as phossy jaw, in some workers.
From page 24...
... For that reason, the White and Armstrong studies were not used in recommending guidance levels. White and Armstrong (1935)
From page 25...
... WHITE PHOSPHORUS SMOKE: EFFECTS IN ANIMALS Lethality Lethality studies have been conducted on mice, rats, guinea pigs and goats following the inhalation of WP smoke. In mice, exposure for ~ hr resulted in mortality ranging from 5% with P2O5 at 110 mg/m3 (H3PO4 at 150 mg/m3)
From page 26...
... (1985) noted that the LC50 values from four inhalation toxicity studies of rats exposed to WP smoke ranged from 1,300 to 4,800 mg/m3 (method of measuring WP-smoke concentration not reported)
From page 27...
... No renal effects were observed in rats exposed for 90 min to WP smoke with H3PO4 at 3,030 mg/m3 or guinea pigs exposed for 10 min at 984 mg/m3, respectively (Brown et al.
From page 28...
... Although the authors discounted reversed ductus arteriosus as being a minor effect, the condition is suggestive of reversal of the great vessels of the heart, which is a serious cardiovascular defect. In a dominant lethal mutation study, male rats were exposed by inhalation to WP smoke H3PO4 at concentrations of SS4 and 1,742 mg/m3 for 15 min per day, 5 days per week for 10 weeks (Starke et al.
From page 29...
... Other End Points No significant changes in erythrocyte, hematocrit, hemoglobin, or total and differential leukocyte levels were observed in rats exposed for 90 min to WP smoke with H3PO4 at 3,027 mg/m3 or in guinea pigs exposed for 10 min with H3PO4 at 984 mg/m3. No hematological effects were reported in rats exposed for 13 weeks with H3PO4 at 1,742 mg/m3 (Brown et al.
From page 30...
... 30 o Q x o ._ It rat ._ lo I In ~5 a)
From page 31...
... 31 CotO ~ 00 ~in l ~ ·- ~as ~.
From page 33...
... 33 (C ~CD oo ~CD An ~cry lo, s E o ~S E ~ E 3 ~m m ~ ~ ~ ~ m E ia ~-= ' - = ~ a' | | o S o C ~° 4, ° E 7 0 .,, D = 0 E ~ E = ~= 7 7 ~ ~ ~ ~Z ~ Cal ~ .
From page 34...
... 34 Cat m Cat a)
From page 35...
... 35 LO cn ~5 To a, ._ Cat o ._ .
From page 36...
... SUBCOMMITTEE EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS On the basis of the available toxicity information, the subcommittee recommended exposure guidance levels for military personnel exposed during an emergency release and during regular training exercises and for consideration at training-facility boundaries to protect nearby communities from an acute exposure or repeated releases of WP smoke. MILITARY EXPOSURES Emergency Exposure Guidance Levels (EEGEs)
From page 37...
... Because human data are available and the animal data are consistent with the human data, the subcommittee recommends using EEGEs derived from human data. The subcommittee recognizes that these EEGEs are lower than those
From page 39...
... Rats exposed for 15 min per day, 5 days per week for 13 weeks showed moderate laryngitis and tracheitis with H3PO4 at 1,400 mg/m3 and slight laryngitis and tracheitis with H3PO4 at 690 mg/m3, and no such effects were reported with H3PO4 at 280 mg/m3. Because that result identifies a noeffect exposure concentration, the subcommittee recommends that it be used to establish a REGT=.
From page 40...
... RESEARCH NEEDS The subcommittee recognizes the need for further research to better understand the potential toxicity associated with inhaling WP smoke. Research in the following areas would provide better insight into possible health effects of exposure to WP smoke and help to determine, with greater confidence, a guidance level that is not overly conservative but is scientifically defensible in ensuring minimal risk to the exposed population.
From page 41...
... EEGL 15 min 19 1 hr 5 6 hr 0.S REGL 8hr/d, 5d/wk 0.09 Abbreviations: EEGL, emergency exposure guidance level; REGL, repeated exposure guidance level. TABLE 2-8 SPEGLs and RPEGL for White Phosphorus Smoke (Expressed as H3PO4)
From page 42...
... 1980. The Acute Effects of Single Exposures to White Phosphorus Smoke in Rats and Guinea Pigs.
From page 43...
... Acute Oral Toxicity, Primary Skin and Eye Irritation, Dermal Sensitization and Disposition and Metabolism.
From page 44...
... 1977. The Acute Effects of Single Exposures to United Kingdom Red Phosphorus Screening Smoke in Rats, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, and Dogs.


This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More information on Chapter Skim is available.