CAS Number: 7803-51-2. A colorless, poisonous, flammable gas that
is a weaker base than ammonia. It is used to fumigate stored
grain. Chemical formula = PH3. Molecular weight = 34.0 g/mol.
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Phosphine is used as an insecticide for the fumigation of grains,
animal feed, and leaf-stored tobacco. Acute (short-term)
inhalation exposure to phosphine may cause headaches, dizziness,
fatigue, drowsiness, burning substernal pain, nausea, vomiting,
cough, labored breathing, chest tightness, pulmonary irritation,
pulmonary edema, and tremors in humans. Convulsions may ensue
after an apparent recovery. Chronic (long-term) occupational
exposure of workers to phosphine may cause inflammation of the
nasal cavity and throat, weakness, dizziness, nausea,
gastrointestinal, cardiorespiratory, and central nervous system
symptomology, jaundice, liver effects, and increased bone
density. EPA has classified phosphine as a Group D, not
classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.