Skip directly to local search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options
CDC Home

Enter search terms separated by spaces.

Phosphorus (yellow)

Synonyms & Trade Names
Elemental phosphorus, White phosphorus
CAS No.
7723-14-0
RTECS No.
TH3500000
DOT ID & Guide
1381 136
Formula
P4
Conversion
IDLH
5 mg/m3
See: 7723140
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
: TWA 0.1 mg/m3
OSHA PEL
: TWA 0.1 mg/m3
Measurement Methods

NIOSH 7905
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
White to yellow, soft, waxy solid with acrid fumes in air. [Note: Usually shipped or stored in water.]
MW:
124.0
BP:
536°F		 MLT: 111°F
Sol:
0.0003%
VP:
0.03 mmHg
IP:
?
Sp.Gr:
1.82
Fl.P:
?
UEL:
?
LEL:
?
Flammable Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Air, oxidizers (including elemental sulfur & strong caustics), halogens [Note: Ignites SPONTANEOUSLY in moist air.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, resp tract; eye, skin burns; abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice; anemia; cachexia; dental pain, salivation, jaw pain, swelling
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, jaw, teeth, blood
Personal 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

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0628   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0188
 

Order NIOSH Publications

Contact Us:
USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDC–INFO