Phosphine - PH3
Phosphine - PH3
Main information on phosphine or " phosphorus trihydride " (PH3) such as its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it ( PH3 gas detector ) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with type B anti-gas filter ).
Main characteristics of phosphine (PH3)
Phosphorus trihydride (PH3), better known as phosphine, is mainly used in fumigation activities due to its biocidal properties, which are mandatory for international transport. Industrially, phosphine can be released in the manufacture of acetylene , in the derusting of metals with phosphoric acid or in metal processing plants containing phosphides as an impurity.
Health effects of phosphine
Phosphine is a colorless gas, identifiable by its fishy odor. It is an extremely toxic gas by inhalation (R26) and can cause chemical burns (R34). It is also very harmful to the environment , especially aquatic organisms (R50). In contact with oxidants, halogenated hydrocarbons or copper aluminum, it is explosive (R12) with risks of spontaneous ignition in air (R17).
PH3 (Phosphine) gas detector
Despite its fishy smell, only a PH3 gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this gas. Although explosive at 1.6% volume, an explosiveness measurement is useless with this extremely toxic gas, so we will move towards detecting phosphine in ppm, or even ppb.
Phosphine respiratory protection (PH3)
For effective respiratory protection against phosphine, a full-face mask is recommended for short-term interventions or a more comfortable assisted ventilation device with type B gas filters . If concentrations exceed 60 times the OEL, an isolating breathing apparatus will be essential.