Pyrophoric Nonmetallic Solids

Spontaneous Heating and Pyrophoricity

DOE-HDBK-1081-94

PYROPHORIC NONMETALLIC SOLIDS

PYROPHORIC NONMETALLIC SOLIDS

Phosphorus

There are two different compounds of phosphorus (P4). These are commonly known as

white (or yellow) phosphorus, and red phosphorous. Red phosphorus is not considered

pyrophoric. However, red phosphorus ignites easily and produces phosphine (a pyrophoric

gas) during combustion.

Pyrophoric (white, or yellow) phosphorus is a colorless to yellow, translucent, nonmetallic

solid. It ignites spontaneously on contact with air at or above 30 C (86 F). Phosphorous is

explosive when mixed with oxidizing agents. Fumes from burning phosphorus are highly

irritating but only slightly toxic except in very high concentrations. Like red phosphorus,

white phosphorus also produces phosphine during combustion.

When storing, protect containers against physical damage. Phosphorus should always be

kept underwater, or under an inert atmosphere, separated from oxidizing agents and

combustible materials. When shipping, keep phosphorus under water in hermetically sealed

cans inside wooden boxes, under water in drums, or in tank motor vehicles or tank cars

under water or blanketed with an inert gas.

Phosphorous fires should be deluged with water until the fire is extinguished and the

phosphorus has solidified. The solidified phosphorus should then be covered with wet sand,

clay, or ground limestone.

Rev. 0

Page 17

Pyrophoricity