# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Phosphorus (yellow) | CAS 7723-14-0
P4 | RTECS TH3500000
Synonyms & Trade Names Elemental phosphorus, White phosphorus | DOT ID & Guide 1381 136
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 0.1 mg/m3
OSHA PEL: TWA 0.1 mg/m3
IDLH 5 mg/m3 | Conversion
Physical Description White to yellow, soft, waxy solid with acrid fumes in air. [Note: Usually shipped or stored in water.]
MW: 124.0 | BP: 536°F | MLT: 111°F | Sol: 0.0003%
VP: 0.03 mmHg | IP: ? |  | Sp.Gr: 1.82
Fl.P: ? | UEL: ? | LEL: ? |
Flammable Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Air, oxidizers (including elemental sulfur & strong caustics), halogens [Note: Ignites SPONTANEOUSLY in moist air.]
Measurement Methods NIOSH 7905
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact* [*Note: Flame retardant personal protective equipment should be provided.] Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet or contaminated Change: Daily Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Water flush immediately Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH/OSHA Up to 1 mg/m3: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 2.5 mg/m3: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£ Up to 5 mg/m3: (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, respiratory tract; eye, skin burns; abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice; anemia; cachexia; dental pain, salivation, jaw pain, swelling
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, jaw, teeth, blood
See also: INTRODUCTION