Phosphine

Phosphine MSDS

What is Phosphine?

Phosphine is a colorless gas that is very toxic at extremely low concentrations. Phosphine is naturally found in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and saliva. It is located in the cytoplasm and in humans, it functions in the paclitaxel pathway. It is used as an insecticide for the fumigation of grains, animal feed, and leaf-stored tobacco. Phosphine is spontaneously flammable creating toxic fumes. It often reacts with air. It is heavier than air and tends to travel along the ground to an ignition source. Heating phosphine can cause explosion and violent rupture. Phosphine is very toxic to aquatic life.

Phosphine Exposure and Health Risks

Phosphine is extremely dangerous and highly toxic by inhalation. Even very low concentrations can be lethal. There is no antidote for phosphine poisoning, only treatment of symptoms. Artificial respiration, gastric lavage, and administration of activated charcoal may be necessary. Symptoms of acute phosphine inhalation are headaches, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, burning sub-sternal pain, nausea, vomiting, cough, labored breathing, chest tightness, pulmonary irritation, pulmonary edema, and tremors. Convulsions may ensue after an apparent recovery. Chronic exposure to phosphine can cause inflammation of respiratory tract, damage to gastrointestinal, cardio-respiratory, and central nervous systems, increased bone density, and jaundice. Contact with phosphine can cause irritation and skin burns.

Regulations

The table below summarizes the most-recent exposure limits.

Sources: NIOSH, OSHA, EPA 

Measuring Phosphine

Phosphine concentration in the air can be measured in units of parts per million (ppm). Many of our products have digital communication capabilities for easy monitoring and control. We carry portable and fixed Phosphine monitors and kits. All of our Phosphine products can be viewed HERE.

D16	The D16 is a versatile tool designed for gas leak detection, personal safety, spot checking, confined entry, and data logging, and more. It can be used as a portable monitor or as a stationary one that can be set to log data over long periods of time. This customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and is sold with every accessory you may need for fast and accurate portable gas detection.	0-10ppm 1000ppm 1000ppb
D12	The D12 is designed for operation in hazardous areas. Its explosion-proof cast aluminum housing is rated for Class 1, Division 1, Group B, C, D locations and is UL, FM, and CSA certified. This monitor can be fitted with a variety of sensors to be used on a wide range of toxic and combustible gases.	0-10ppm 0-1000ppm 0-1000ppb
F12	The Series F12 Gas Transmitter is an Intrinsically Safe monitor designed for the detection of toxic gases in hazardous area. It is also well suited for general purpose applications. This highly customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and and accessories and is compatible with most fixed mount toxic gas applications.	0-10ppm 0-1000ppm 0-1000ppb
F12D	The Series F12D Gas Transmitter is designed for detection of toxic gases in hazardous areas.It is also well suited for general purpose applications. This highly customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and accessories and is compatible with most fixed mount toxic gas applications.	0-10ppm 0-1000ppm 0-1000ppb
B12	The B12 transmitter is a two-wire, 4-29 mA transmitter that is loop-powered to signal linearly proportional to gas concentration. Their electrochemical sensors are designed for use in ambient air or in ventilation ducts. This highly customizable application can be fitted with a variety of sensors and accessories.	0-1000ppb
BW Solo	The Honeywell BW Solo is a portable gas detector with a small, durable design and fast response time. These monitors can be paired with a smartphone using BLE allowing for remote access to multiple devices. This detector can be fitted with a variety of sensors, all of which come with a five year life expectancy.	0-5ppm

Contact us for help choosing the right monitor for your application