1950; Newburger et al. Phosphorus is highly mobile in biological tissues and will be readily absorbed. Phosphorus has a garlic-like odor and, when exposed to air, it … ... were analyzed using headspace gas chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or a nitrogen-phosphorus detector following the fatal ingestion of aluminum phosphide tablets. [] These changes result in the development of progressive anuria, decreased creatinine clearance, and increased blood phosphorus levels. Phosphorus is found in most food because it is a critical constituent of all living organisms. The highly flammable phosphorus-based compounds have been found in human and animal faeces, but in tiny quantities. [] Pathologic changes have been documented in the liver and kidney. Very high phosphorus intakes over short periods (e.g., two 6,600 mg doses of sodium phosphate taken in one day) can cause hyperphosphatemia [69,70]. Severe toxic symptoms have been reported following a single oral dose of 15 mg [Sollmann 1943]. Sources Food sources. Two naturally occurring forms: red and white phosphorus; Red is not absorbed well, limited toxicity. Human activities, such as the manufacture and use of detergents, fertilizers, and water softeners, contribute to phosphorus in the environment. It has been used in the past as a pesticide and in fireworks. According to a studyfrom Harvard Medical School, phosphorus deficiency is most commonly seen in: 1. people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(affecting 21.5 percent) 2. chronic alcoholics (up to 30.4 percent) 3. people in intensive care units (up to 33.9 percent) 4. people involved in major trauma, such as a severe burn (75 percent) 5. people wit… White phosphorus is used in the manufacture of munitions, pyrotechnics, explosives, smoke bombs, in artificial fertilizers, and rodenticides. Phosphorus toxicity in tomato plants: when and how does it occur? Biologic: No specific test for elemental white or yellow phosphorus is available; however, an elevated serum phosphate level might indicate that an exposure has occurred. Diabetes. The potassium concentration is balanced again… Direct skin contact with white phosphorus, i.e. Systemic toxicity has been described extensively in the animal model. A phosphate supplement is typically used to prevent a phosphorus deficiency, a condition considered rare in the United States outside of certain high-risk groups. Electrolytes keep bodily fluid levels in balance and help maintain the integrity of the cells. It has been used in the past as a pesticide and in fireworks. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-175298/phosphorous-oral/details As a result, symptoms of phosphorus toxicity when they do occur are actually symptoms of iron and/or zinc deficiency. Potassium found in the blood and other body fluids is, along with calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and sulfur, commonly known as electrolyte. 2 In one study mortality rate was recorded as 50% 3 and, in another study, 48% of those who ingested large doses. The appearance of symptoms may be sudden and dramatic or they may be delayed. 2 Table 4-1 summarizes the composition of phosphoric acids in RP-BR smoke. DESCRIPTION: White phosphorus is a toxic substance produced from phosphate-containing rocks. A reduced concentration of phosphate in the blood serum is a disorder known as hypophosphatemia. Phospate omeostatis In humans, w85% of the total phosphate is in the bone and teeth,10% to15%isinsoft tissues, and <1%isinextracellular Correspondence: Masafumi Fukagawa, Division of Nephrology, Endocri- Yellow phosphorus (white phosphorus) is a significantly more hazardous form of the element and may be present as a contaminant in red phosphorus. 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