Product Name: Red Phosphorus
Chemical Formula: P
Synonyms: Phosphorus, Allotropes of Phosphorus
CAS Number: 7723-14-0
Recommended Use: Industrial manufacturing, matches, pyrotechnics, flame retardants
Supplier: (Insert supplier name and contact information)
Emergency Contact Number: (Insert applicable emergency phone)
Hazard Class: Flammable solid; may ignite spontaneously under certain conditions
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Contact with oxidizing materials can cause fire; inhaling dust can irritate the lungs and respiratory tract; skin contact may cause irritation.
Pictograms: Flame; exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid dust formation; keep away from open flames and heat sources; do not breathe dust; wear proper protective gear.
Chemical Name: Red Phosphorus
Purity: Typically above 98%
Impurities: May contain trace amounts of white phosphorus (highly toxic), metallic contaminants
Molecular Weight: 30.97 g/mol
Ingredient Contribution to Hazard: Both phosphorus content and potential traces of white phosphorus contribute to chemical risk
Inhalation: Move the affected person into fresh air without delay; arrange for medical attention if symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately; wash exposed skin with soap and water; seek medical advice for irritation or burns
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; do not rub eyes; seek urgent medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek medical care promptly
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation, burning sensation in eyes, respiratory discomfort, skin redness
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry sand, graphite, or class D extinguishing agent; do not use water or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Red phosphorus may ignite if exposed to flame or high temperatures; fire produces toxic phosphorus oxides
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus; firefighting personnel should stay upwind of fire
Additional Information: Move containers from fire area if safe, otherwise cool with water spray from a distance to prevent heating
Personal Precautions: Ventilate area; keep ignition sources away; use appropriate personal protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, waterways, or soil
Clean Up Method: Use clean, dry, non-sparking tools to collect spilled material; place in sealed, labeled containers; avoid creating and breathing dust
Disposal: Dispose of waste per local, state, and federal regulations
Handling: Handle only with adequate ventilation; avoid all contact with eyes, skin, and clothing; do not eat, drink, or smoke in workspaces
Equipment: Ground and bond containers; use only non-sparking tools and antistatic equipment
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers, in a dry, well-ventilated place away from heat, flame, and oxidizers; keep material cool and out of direct sunlight
Storage Temperature: Below 30°C (86°F), protected from moisture
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 0.1 mg/m³ (as phosphorus)
Engineering Controls: Mechanical ventilation, local exhaust
Personal Protective Equipment: Respiratory protection if dust is generated, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, face shield, lab coat or coveralls
Work Hygiene: Regular hand washing; remove and wash contaminated clothing
Appearance: Dark red or violet amorphous powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Sublimes at 416°C (no actual liquid phase at 1 atm)
Boiling Point: Decomposes
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Solubility: Insoluble in water; slightly soluble in carbon disulfide
Density: 2.34 g/cm³
Other Significant Properties: Non-conductive, stable at ambient temperature without presence of ignition sources
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal, dry conditions and away from ignition or oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers like potassium chlorate, potassium permanganate, nitric acid; halogens; acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Phosphorus oxides, which are toxic and corrosive
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flame, static discharge, friction, moisture, contamination by incompatible chemicals
Acute Toxicity: Inhalation of dust may cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and possible pulmonary edema with high exposure
Skin: May cause irritation or burns with prolonged or repeated contact
Eyes: Exposure can result in irritation, redness, pain, and possible injury
Chronic Effects: Long-term overexposure may harm teeth (phossy jaw), bones, and kidneys; more dangerous forms (white phosphorus) can cause severe poisoning
Carcinogenicity: IARC, NTP, and OSHA do not classify red phosphorus as carcinogenic, risk mainly from impurities
Aquatic Toxicity: Red phosphorus does not dissolve in water; risk to aquatic systems primarily results from runoff containing phosphorus oxides after fires or improper disposal
Persistence and Degradability: Immobile in soil; slowly oxidizes in air; forms phosphates that disrupt aquatic ecosystems
Bioaccumulation: Limited evidence for bioaccumulation due to low solubility
Soil Mobility: Remains in particulate phase; improper disposal leads to potential soil contamination
Other Ecological Notes: Avoid release to environment; hazardous to fish in high concentrations of breakdown products
Disposal Methods: Place in sealed, clearly labeled containers for hazardous waste; do not dump into drains or natural waterways
Incineration: Send to facility equipped to handle hazardous chemicals; incinerate only if local regulations permit
Disposal Regulation: Follow federal, state, and local requirements; consult with waste management authority
Decontamination: Clean tools and surfaces with dry, chemical-compatible solvents; do not use water
UN Number: 1338 (Red phosphorus, not wet)
Proper Shipping Name: Phosphorus, red
Transport Hazard Class: 4.1 (Flammable solid)
Packing Group: III
Label: Flammable solid
Special Precautions: Transport in tightly closed containers; keep away from food, oxidizers, and hot surfaces; use only authorized carriers with chemical hazard training
Regulatory Note: International shipping regulations may vary; consult IATA and IMDG codes for air and sea freight
Inventory Listing: Listed on TSCA, EINECS, Japanese ENCS, and Canadian DSL
SARA 313: Not subject to reporting under SARA Title III
EU Classification: Hazard symbol – F (Highly flammable), Xi (Irritant)
Other Restrictions: Subject to chemical weapons and controlled substance regulation in some jurisdictions; import and handling often require permits
OSHA: Regulated as a hazardous material; use within workplace safety laws
Worker Protection: Subject to exposure control standards; training required for all handlers
Other: Material safety responsibilities fall on both suppliers and users; proper documentation and labeling are mandatory.
