White phosphorus is a pyrophoric substance, meaning it spontaneously ignites when exposed to oxygen.
This property gives rise to intense heat and thick smoke, reaching temperatures of 815 degrees Celsius. Classified as "Pyrophoric solids, category 1" under the Globally Harmonized System, it is among the most unstable of pyrophoric materials and emits a distinct garlic-like odor.
White phosphorus is employed in military applications, dispersed in artillery shells, bombs, rockets, or soaked into textile wedges.
Its primary purpose is to create smokescreens, concealing troop movements and confusing infrared optics and weapon tracking systems to protect forces from guided missiles. The delivery method can vary, from ground-burst for concentrated smoke to air-burst for broader coverage.
Exposure to white phosphorus can lead to severe burns, sometimes reaching the bone. These burns are incredibly painful, slow to heal, and prone to infections. Even small particles that remain embedded in the body can reignite on contact with air.
Inhaling white phosphorus particles or smoke can cause respiratory damage and harm internal organs. Survivors often experience long-term suffering, including impaired mobility and disfiguring scars.
White phosphorus can have far-reaching consequences, devastating infrastructure and property, damaging crops, and killing livestock. In windy conditions, it can lead to raging fires, compounding the destruction caused by its use.
The use of white phosphorus as a weapon has raised significant ethical concerns and led to global discussions regarding its impact on both human lives and the environment.