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NIOSH

PHOSPHORUS (YELLOW)

ICSC: 0628

White phosphorus
Phosphorus tetramer
P4
Atomic mass: 123.88
ICSC # 0628 		CAS # 12185-10-3
RTECS # TH3500000
UN # 1381
EC # 015-001-00-1
April 22, 2004 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Highly flammable. See Notes. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with flammable substances. NO contact with air. NO contact with hot surfaces. NO contact with oxidants, halogens, sulfur and stong base(s).
Water spray, wet sand.
EXPLOSION

In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS! AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
First rinse with plenty of water, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention. Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. See Notes.
•EYES Redness. Pain. Loss of vision. Severe deep burns.
Safety goggles face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse. Unconsciousness.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Rest. Wear protective gloves when inducing vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Cover the spilled material with wet sand or earth. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting then remove to safe place. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs . Keep under water.
Airtight. Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
F symbol
T+ symbol
C symbol
N symbol
R: 17-26/28-35-50
S: 1/2-5-26-38-45-61
UN Hazard Class: 4.2
UN Subsidiary Risks: 6.1
UN Packing Group: I
ICSC: 0628 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

PHOSPHORUS (YELLOW)

ICSC: 0628

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

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D

A

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A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE TO YELLOW TRANSPARENT CRYSTALLINE SOLID WITH WAXY APPEARANCE. TURNS DARK ON EXPOSURE TO LIGHT.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance may spontaneously ignite on contact with air producing toxic fumes ( phosphorous oxides ). Reacts violently with oxidants, halogens and sulfur, causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with strong bases to produce toxic gas (phosphine).

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.1 ppm as TWA; (ACGIH 2005).
MAK: (Inhalable fraction) 0.05 mg/m3;
Peak limitation category: II(2); Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2006).
OSHA PEL: TWA 0.1 mg/m3
NIOSH REL: TWA 0.1 mg/m3
NIOSH IDLH: 5 mg/m3 See: 7723140


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the kidneys , liver . Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the bone.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Melting point: 44°C
Density: 1.83
g/cm3
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 0.0003
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 3.5
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 4.42
Flash point: < 20°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 30°C

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

May re-ignite itself after fire is extinguished. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation is therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Do NOT take working clothes home. Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water. CAS No. for Phosphorus is 7723-14-0 . Card has been partly updated in April 2005 & October 2006. See sections: Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-42S1381-w

NFPA Code: H 3; F 3; R 1;
Card has been partially updated in August 2007: see Occupational Exposure Limits, Physical Properties.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0628 PHOSPHORUS (YELLOW)
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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