Phosphorus (yellow)
Synonyms & Trade Names
Elemental phosphorus, White phosphorusExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.1 mg/m3OSHA PEL
TWA 0.1 mg/m3Physical Description
White to yellow, soft, waxy solid with acrid fumes in air. [Note: Usually shipped or stored in water.]Molecular Weight
124.0Boiling Point
536°FMelting Point
111°FSolubility
0.0003%Vapor Pressure
0.03 mmHgIonization Potential
?Specific Gravity
1.82Flash Point
?Upper Exposive Limit
?Lower Explosive Limit
?Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Air, oxidizers (including elemental sulfur & strong caustics), halogens [Note: Ignites SPONTANEOUSLY in moist air.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, resp tract; eye, skin burns; abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice; anemia; cachexia; dental pain, salivation, jaw pain, swellingTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, jaw, teeth, bloodPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact* [*Note: Flame retardant personal protective equipment should be provided.]
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 1 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 2.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£
Up to 5 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
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:
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