White phosphorus
WHY IN NEWS ?
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW) have accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of using white phosphorus munitions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Chemical Properties
- White phosphorus exists in different allotropes and is the most reactive and least stable among all the elemental forms of phosphorus.
- It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, and it readily catches fire when exposed to air.
About Phosphorous
Phosphorous is a highly reactive non-metal element that plays a crucial role in various biological, industrial, and environmental processes. Its importance spans across diverse fields, including agriculture, medicine, and manufacturing.
Industrial and Military Applications
- White phosphorus finds use in various industrial applications, including the manufacture of phosphoric acid, phosphorus trichloride, and other organic phosphorus compounds.
- In military contexts, it has been used in incendiary weapons, smoke screens, and tracer ammunition due to its pyrophoric properties.
How harmful is white phosphorus?
- Upon exposure, white phosphorus can cause severe burns, often down to the bone. The burns are difficult to heal, and susceptible to infections. Particles of white phosphorus that remain lodged in the body can reignite if in contact with air.
- Inhaling white phosphorus particles or smoke can cause respiratory damage and harm to internal organs.
- White phosphorus can also devastate infrastructure and property, damage crops and kill livestock, with raging fires, especially in windy conditions.
First use of White phosphorus munitions
- Irish nationalists in the late 19th century first used white phosphorus munitions, in a formulation known as “Fenian fire”. World War I and World War II.
- The US invasion of Iraq in 2004 and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have also witnessed the use of White phosphorus.
Environmental Impact
- The use of white phosphorus in warfare and industrial applications can lead to environmental contamination and long-term ecological damage, affecting soil and water quality.
- Efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of white phosphorus involve proper disposal, containment, and the development of alternative technologies to minimize its use.
Alternative Technologies and Substitutes
Research and development efforts are focused on finding safer and more environmentally friendly substitutes for white phosphorus in various applications to reduce its potential risks and environmental impact.
Source – Indian Express
