Phosphine (PH3) Detection

Phosphine Gas Detectors – Portable gas detectors from a1-cbiss for the detection of Phosphine

CAS Number: 7803-51-2
STEL: 0.2ppm
TWA: 0.1ppm

Properties

Phosphine is a colourless and highly toxic gas with a fishy or garlic-like odour or that of decaying fish. It should also be recognised that phosphine is highly flammable and may spontaneously ignite in air or even explode when mixed with oxygen. Phosphine coming into contact with oxidisers, halogenated hydrocarbons, or even aluminum and copper may cause the same. It is for this reason that extreme care must be adhered to whenever working with or around phosphine.

Dangers

Phosphine acts on the central nervous system and lungs leading to pulmonary oedema. Symptoms like faintness, vomiting, headache, tightness in the chest may appear rapidly after exposure. Even a short exposure to an acute amount of phosphine can lead to chronic neurological problems.

Where is it found

Phosphine is used as an insecticide for the fumigation of grains and animal feed.

Phosphine products