Guidance

White phosphorus: general information

Updated 10 March 2025

Overview

White phosphorus is a white to yellow waxy solid with a garlic like odour. It is also known as yellow phosphorus. White phosphorus readily catches fire at temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above room temperature.

Uses of white phosphorus

White phosphorus is used to make phosphoric acid and other chemicals, which are used to manufacture fertilisers, cleaning compounds and other products. It has been used as a rat and rodent poison and in fireworks. White phosphorus has also been used in the military in ammunitions such as grenades and artillery shells.

How white phosphorus gets into the environment

White phosphorus may enter the environment from certain industrial processes or from accidents involving its transport.

Exposure to white phosphorus

Individuals who work in industries that use or produce white phosphorus may be exposed to higher levels. People in the military who use phosphorus-containing ammunitions may be exposed to white phosphorus smoke during combat, training exercises and accidents.

How exposure to white phosphorus can affect your health

The presence of white phosphorus in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed to white phosphorous by eating it or by skin contact with it. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.

White phosphorus is highly irritating and corrosive. Breathing white phosphorus will cause irritation to the nose and throat, cough, and shortness of breath. Ingestion of white phosphorus will irritate the mouth, throat, and stomach causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. A substantial exposure may cause heart, liver, and kidney damage, coma, and in severe cases death. Skin exposure to white phosphorus will lead to redness, severe pain, burns, and blisters. It will also cause severe eye irritation and burns.

Long-term exposure to white phosphorus fumes may cause bronchitis (infection of the main airways of the lungs) and a condition known as “phossy jaw”. Symptoms of the condition include swelling of the gums, tooth ache and eventual breakdown of the jaw bone.

White phosphorus and cancer

There is no evidence to suggest that exposure to white phosphorus would cause cancer in humans.

Pregnancy and the unborn child

There is no evidence to suggest that white phosphorus, at concentrations that do not affect the mother, can affect the health of the unborn child.

Children

There is little information on the effects of white phosphorous on children. It is likely that children exposed to phosphorous would experience similar symptoms to those seen in exposed adults.

What to do if you are exposed to white phosphorus

It is unlikely that the general population will be exposed to a level of phosphorous high enough to cause adverse health effects. However, if you have any health concerns regarding exposure to phosphorous seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.

Additional sources of information

UKTIS. Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy

The information contained in this document from the UKHSA Radiation, Chemicals, Climate and Environment Directorate is correct at the time of its publication.

Email chemcompendium@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any other questions.

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