Zinc phosphide is an inorganic compound that combines phosphorus with zinc. It is used in rodenticide baits. When an animal eats the bait, the acid in the animal's stomach turns the zinc phosphide into phosphine. Phosphine is a very toxic gas. Phosphine is also released by aluminium phosphide and magnesium phosphide. These are used as fumigants in stored grain.
Zinc phosphide can be prepared by the reaction of zinc with phosphorus; however, for critical applications, additional processing to remove arsenic compounds may be needed.
Flasks | Characteristics |
---|---|
Appearance | Grey/black mottled pellet |
Odour | Mild garlic odour |
Melting Point | > 420 ° C (Zinc Phosphide) |
Specific Gravity/Density | Bulk Density 34-39 lbs. /ft3 |
Solubility | Negligible (product), slowly decomposes in water (active ingredient) |
When zinc phosphide is eaten by either an animal or a person, stomach acid causes it to release the toxic gas phosphine. Baits containing zinc phosphide are especially dangerous to animals that cannot vomit, such as rats, mice, and rabbits.
The phosphine in the stomach then crosses into the body's cells, and stops the cells from producing energy. This causes the cells to die. Zinc phosphide affects all cells, but targets cells in the heart, lungs, and liver.
Zinc phosphide is highly toxic to humans. A single swallow of zinc phosphide rodent bait could be fatal to a young child. Store the material in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated, secure area out of reach of children and domestic animals. Wash thoroughly after handling and before eating or smoking.
Some symptoms of exposure to zinc phosphide and phosphine gas include headache, dizziness, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Liver and kidney failure, convulsions, delirium and coma may also occur if a person is exposed to enough phosphine. Signs of poisoning in animals include vomiting, anxiety, and retching.
DO NOT DRINK WATER. Do not administer anything by mouth or make the patient vomit unless advised to do so by a physician. Move person to fresh air. If person is not breathing call an ambulance, then give artificial respiration, preferably mouth-to- mouth
There is no specific antidote. Very thorough gastric lavage is usually indicated. 3% - 5% sodium bicarbonate gavage has been suggested. Treat supportively and symptomatically.
Container Disposal Plastic Containers : Triple rinse (or equivalent). Then offer for recycling or reconditioning, or puncture and dispose of in a sanitary landfill, or incineration, or, if allowed by state and local authorities, by burning. If burned, stay out of smoke.