Calcium phosphide
Agent Name
Calcium phosphide
CAS Number
1305-99-3
Formula
Ca3-P2
Major Category
Metals
Synonyms
Calcium photophor; Photophor; UN1360; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Phosphides
Description
Red-brown crystals or gray lumps with a musty odor like acetylene; [HSDB]
Sources/Uses
Used for signal fires, pyrotechnics, copper purification, and rodent poison; [HSDB]
Comments
Reacts with water to form the highly toxic and flammable phosphine; [Hawley] "This chemical ingredient is not found in any products." [NPIRS] See "PHOSPHIDES." See "Phosphine."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
TIH
Yes
Dangerous When Wet
Yes
Odor Threshold Low
0.13 ppm
Odor Threshold High
13.4 ppm
Explanatory Notes
Odor threshold = 1-100 mg/m3; [CHRIS] Not TIH in land-based spills, but TiH substance released when spilled in water; [ERG 2016]
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Nephrotoxin
Yes
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: