Mammalian Toxicology and Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms of White Phosphorus and 'Phossy Water', A Waterborne Munitions Manufacturing Waste Pollutant - A Literature Evaluation
Abstract
Elemental white phosphorus is highly toxic to both experimental animals and man. Ingestion of even small amounts may produce severe gastrointestinal irritation, bloody diarrhea, liver damage, skin eruptions, oliquria, circulatory collapse, coma, convulsions and death. The fatal dose for man is about 1-1.4 mg/kg. No LD50 values have been determined. Acute effect differ considerably from chronic effects. Chronic poisoning (from ingestion or inhalation) is characterized by such effects on the osseous system as bony necrosis ('phossy jaw'), spontaneous fractures, as well as by anemia and weight loss. White phosphorus appears to be noncarcinogenic when fed to experimental animals. White phosphorus is also highly toxic to aquatic animals. Crustaceans and many molluscs are more tolerant, but still succumb to phosphorus concentrations of 1 ppm or less.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0777901
Entities
People
- Dickinson Burrows
- Jack C. Dacre