White Phosphorus

CAS ID #: 7723-14-0

Affected Organ Systems: Dermal (Skin), Ocular (Eyes), Reproductive (Producing Children), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Cancer Classification: EPA: Not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. IARC: Not evaluated. NTP: Not evaluated

Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA’s IRIS Hotline with questions on cancer and cancer classification.

Chemical Classification: Metals/Elements (the simplest forms of matter)

Summary: White phosphorus is a colorless, white, or yellow waxy solid with a garlic-like odor. It does not occur naturally, but is manufactured from phosphate rocks. White phosphorus reacts rapidly with oxygen, easily catching fire at temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above room temperature. White phosphorus is used by the military in various types of ammunition, and to produce smoke for concealing troop movements and identifying targets. It is also used by industry to produce phosphoric acid and other chemicals for use in fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning compounds. Small amounts of white phosphorus were used in the past in pesticides and fireworks.