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PHOSPHINE
ICSC: 0694
Peer-Review Status: 10.08.1997 Validated
Phosphorus trihydride
Hydrogen phosphide 
CAS #: 7803-51-2 RTECS #: SY7525000
UN #: 2199
EC #: 015-181-00-1
EINECS #: 232-260-8
 		    Formula: PH3
Molecular mass: 34.00

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Extremely flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces.  Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide. 
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.  In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. 
 
EXPOSURE   STRICT HYGIENE!  IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
Inhalation Cough. Nausea. Burning sensation. Diarrhoea. Abdominal pain. Headache. Dizziness. Lethargy. Incoordination. Chest pain. Chest tightness. Tremor. Shortness of breath. Vomiting. Convulsions.  Use breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.  Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.  ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes   Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion      

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.   
EC Classification
Symbol: F+, T+, N; R: 12-17-26-34-50; S: (1/2)-28-36/37-45-61-63 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.3; UN Subsidiary Risks: 2.1 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20G2TF.
NFPA Code: H3; F4; R2.  		Fireproof. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS. 

Physical dangers
The gas is heavier than air. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating and on burning. This produces toxic fumes including phosphorus oxides. Reacts violently with air, oxygen, oxidants such as chlorine oxides, nitrogen oxides, metal nitrates, halogens and many other substances. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Attacks many metals. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 0.3 ppm as TWA; 1 ppm as STEL; (ACGIH 2005). 

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is severely irritating to the respiratory tract. Inhalation of this gas may cause lung oedema. See Notes. Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, heart, gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys. This may result in impaired functions. Exposure above the OEL could cause unconsciousness and death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Chronic poisoning may cause toothache, swelling of the jaw, phossy jaw, spontaneous fractures of bones and anaemia. Cumulative effects are possible. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: -87.7°C
Melting point: -133°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water, ml/100ml at 17°C: 26
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 4186
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.17
Flash point: Flammable gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 38°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.8-?  		 

NOTES
The technical product often ignites spontaneously at room temperature because of the presence of other phosphorus hydrides (especially P_2H_4) as impurities.
Odourless when pure at concentrations up to 200 ppm, a highly toxic level.
Technical product has a garlic-like odour due to impurities.
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort.
Rest and medical observation is therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.
The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state.
Card has been partly updated in October 2005 & 2006.
See sections: Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.
Card has been partially updated in August 2007: see Occupational Exposure Limits. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Phosphine (HSG 28, 1989)
       Phosphine (PDS)
       Phosphine (PIM 865)