Phosphine

CAS ID#: 7803-51-2

Affected Organ Systems: None

Cancer Classification: Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA with questions on cancer and cancer classification.

Chemical Classification: Warfare and Terrorism Agents (used in acts of war or terror)

Summary: Phosphine is a colorless, flammable, and explosive gas at ambient temperature that has the odor of garlic or decaying fish. Small amounts occur naturally from the break down of organic matter. It is slightly soluble in water. Phosphine is used in semiconductor and plastics industries, in the production of a flame retardant, and as a pesticide in stored grain.

Community Members

ToxFAQs - Fact sheet that answers the most frequently asked questions about a contaminant and its health effects.

Fact Sheets - Basic facts about phosphine
This fact sheet gives a basic understanding of some of the important problems caused by phosphine exposure.

Emergency Responders

Medical Management Guidelines (MMG) for Acute Chemical Exposure - Publication intended to aid emergency department physicians and other emergency healthcare professionals who manage acute exposures resulting from chemical incidents.

Toxicological and Health Professionals

Priority List of Hazardous Substances - Prioritization of substances based on a combination of their frequency, toxicity, and potential for human exposure at National Priorities List (NPL) sites.

Page last reviewed: February 10, 2021

Content source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry