Phosphine
Synonyms & Trade Names
Hydrogen phosphide, Phosphorated hydrogen, Phosphorus hydride, Phosphorus trihydrideExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.3 ppm (0.4 mg/m3) ST 1 ppm (1 mg/m3)OSHA PEL
TWA 0.3 ppm (0.4 mg/m3) See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless gas with a fish- or garlic-like odor. [pesticide] [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Pure compound is odorless.]Molecular Weight
34.0Boiling Point
-126°FFreezing Point
-209°FSolubility
SlightVapor Pressure
41.3 atmIonization Potential
9.96 eVFlash Point
NA (Gas)Upper Exposive Limit
?Lower Explosive Limit
1.79%Relative Gas Density
1.18Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Air, oxidizers, chlorine, acids, moisture, halogenated hydrocarbons, copper [Note: May ignite SPONTANEOUSLY on contact with air.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact (liquid)Symptoms
nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea; thirst; chest tightness, dyspnea (breathing difficulty); muscle pain, chills; stupor or syncope; pulmonary edema; liquid: frostbiteTarget Organs
respiratory systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Frostbite
Eyes:Frostbite
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Frostbite wash
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 3 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 7.5 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
Up to 15 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 50 ppm:
(APF = 1000) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division