# Toxic Phosphorus (DD-314)

> White phosphorus is a waxy, toxic form of the element that can ignite spontaneously in air at around 30 °C (86 °F). It burns with a bright flame and gives off dense white smoke of phosphorus pentoxide, so it is stored under water. It is used to make phosphoric acid and other chemicals, and militaries have used it in smoke and incendiary munitions, a use regulated by international law. Contact causes severe burns. The footage shows the chemist from Nile Red handling and burning it.

- Department: Science (also Military)
- First published: 2024-08-31
- Last updated: 2024-08-31
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/toxic-phosphorus/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-314-F01**: It ignites in air at around 30 °C. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Ignition))_
- **DD-314-F02**: It burns to phosphorus pentoxide. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Smoke))_

## Write-up

White phosphorus can catch fire on its own in air. It is stored under water to keep it from igniting.

1. **Ignition**: It ignites in air at around 30 °C.
2. **Smoke**: It burns to phosphorus pentoxide.
3. **Storage**: It is stored under water.
4. **Uses**: It is used to make phosphoric acid.
5. **Munitions**: Militaries use it in munitions.

## Related case files

- [A Real Hot Head (DD-300)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/a-real-hot-head/): I linked more chemistry that burns

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: The Reel lists fertilizer production as a use; most phosphate fertilizer is made directly from phosphate rock, while white phosphorus mainly goes into high-purity phosphoric acid and other chemicals.

## Video: Toxic Phosphorus: White Phosphorus Can Catch Fire on Its Own in Air

- Duration: 29.1 s · Published: 2024-08-31
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C_XC4UKtSEq.mp4

### Transcript

Did you know, white phosphorus is a highly reactive, waxy substance that ignites spontaneously in air at around 30 degrees Celsius or 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It's used in various applications, including military munitions and the production of fertilizers. White phosphorus burns with a bright, intense flame and produces a dense, white smoke of phosphorus pentoxide. It is stored underwater or in inert gases to prevent it from reacting with air. Due to its highly toxic nature, it must be handled with extreme caution, as exposure can cause severe burns and other health hazards. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: At about what temperature can it ignite?**  
A: In air. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Ignition) · Wikipedia: White phosphorus)_

**Q: What smoke does it produce?**  
A: Dense and white. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Smoke) · Wikipedia: White phosphorus)_

**Q: How is it stored?**  
A: To block air. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Storage) · Wikipedia: White phosphorus)_

**Q: What is its texture?**  
A: Soft and waxy. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Uses) · Wikipedia: White phosphorus)_

**Q: What does contact cause?**  
A: Very toxic. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Munitions) · Wikipedia: White phosphorus munitions)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: White phosphorus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_phosphorus)
- [Wikipedia: White phosphorus munitions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_phosphorus_munitions)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Toxic Phosphorus." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-314, last updated Aug 31, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/toxic-phosphorus/