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PHOSPHORUS (YELLOW)ICSC: 0628 (April 2004)
Phosphorus tetramer
White phosphorus
CAS #: 12185-10-3
UN #: 1381
EC Number: 231-768-7

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Highly flammable. See Notes. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.    NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with flammables. NO contact with air. NO contact with hot surfaces. NO contact with oxidizing agents, halogens, sulfur or strong bases.    Use water spray, wet sand.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 

 PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS! AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed. See Notes.  Use local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention . Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. See Notes. 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Loss of vision. Severe deep burns.  Wear safety goggles, face shield 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 Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse. Unconsciousness.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.  Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Rest. Wear protective gloves when inducing vomiting. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Sweep spilled substance into containers. Cover the spilled material with wet sand or earth. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 4.2; UN Subsidiary Risks: 6.1; UN Pack Group: I 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Keep under water. 
PACKAGING
Airtight.
Unbreakable packaging.
Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
PHOSPHORUS (YELLOW) ICSC: 0628
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
WHITE-TO-YELLOW TRANSPARENT CRYSTALLINE SOLID WITH WAXY APPEARANCE. TURNS DARK ON EXPOSURE TO LIGHT. 

Physical dangers
No data. 

Chemical dangers
The substance may ignite spontaneously on contact with air. This produces toxic fumes of phosphorus oxides. Reacts with oxidants, halogens and sulfur. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with strong bases. This produces toxic gas (phosphine). 

Formula: P4
Molecular mass: 123.88
Melting point: 44°C
Density: 1.83 g/cm³
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 0.0003
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 3.5
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 4.42
Flash point: < 20°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 30°C  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. See Notes. The substance may cause effects on the kidneys and liver. Exposure could cause death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. 

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance may have effects on the bone. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 0.1 mg/m3, as TWA.
MAK: (inhalable fraction): 0.01 mg/m3; peak limitation category: II(2); pregnancy risk group: C 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
May re-ignite itself after fire is extinguished.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
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 are therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor, or by an authorized person, should be considered.
Do NOT take working clothes home.
Rinse contaminated clothing with plenty of water because of fire hazard. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: F, T+, C, N; R: 17-26/28-35-50; S: (1/2)-5-26-38-45-61 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations