Where It Comes From
Sold as tablets or pellets for fumigating grain bins, warehouses, railcars, and ships; a restricted-use pesticide in the U.S. [2].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing phosphine during application or when entering treated spaces before full aeration; improper storage/transport; water contacting product indoors [1][2].
Why It Matters
Causes headache, nausea, cough, and chest tightness; severe poisoning leads to fluid in the lungs, low blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, shock, and death; there is no antidote [1].
Who Is at Risk
Applicators, farmers, and grain/warehouse/ship workers, plus nearby residents; children and people with heart or lung disease may be more vulnerable [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Use only by trained/licensed applicators; follow label and reentry intervals; ventilate until monitoring shows safe levels; keep product dry, locked, and away from homes; use phosphine gas monitors; if a garlic/fishy odor or symptoms occur, leave and call 911/Poison Control (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Phosphine (PH3) and Metal Phosphides: Medical Management Guidelines. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- [2]EPA. Aluminum and Magnesium Phosphide: Registration Review (including risk mitigation and restricted-use requirements). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.