Phosphorus

Smoke/incendiary munitions, past match making, pyrotechnics, and industrial uses; releases during accidents or improper disposal; it can settle in lake/river bottoms [1][2].

Touching or picking up waxy yellow‑white pieces, breathing smoke/fumes during fires or munitions use, swallowing contaminated water or eating fish/waterfowl from polluted areas, or at work [1][2][3].

Extremely toxic—causes deep chemical burns; nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain; serious liver, heart, and kidney injury; smoke irritates lungs; long-term high exposure historically caused jawbone damage (“phossy jaw”) [1][2][3].

Workers handling white phosphorus, military personnel and responders, people near contaminated lakes/rivers or ranges, and children or pets on affected shorelines; subsistence fishers/hunters in impacted areas [1][2].

Heed local advisories/closures; don’t touch suspicious waxy chunks; keep kids/pets away; follow workplace protections (ventilation, PPE); seek medical care or call Poison Control (1‑800‑222‑1222) after any exposure [1][2][3].