phosphorus toxicity in humans

JAMA. As there is no suitable chemical to replace phosphine, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of phosphine toxicity to increase the effectiveness of resistance management. Table 4-1 summarizes the composition of phosphoric acids in RP-BR smoke. In addition, some diseases can reduce the digestibility of phosphorus (Crohn's disease, celiac disease). Acute poisoning is the severe poisoning which occurs after exposure to a single dose of pesticide. (1947) study is a report of the health effects observed in workers exposed to white phosphorus smoke during a factory fire. Abstract Maintenance of phosphate balance is essential for life, and mammals have developed a sophisticated system to regulate phosphate homeostasis over the course of evolution. Phosphorus. Red phosphorus is not considered to be potentially toxic as it is insoluble, nonvolatile, and unabsorbable. Phosphorus is highly toxic to humans and animals. Human activities, such as the manufacture and use of detergents, fertilizers, and water softeners, contribute to phosphorus in the environment. Background. Citation. [] These changes result in the development of progressive anuria, decreased creatinine clearance, and increased blood phosphorus levels. Yellow phosphorus (white phosphorus) is a significantly more hazardous form of the element and may be present as a contaminant in red phosphorus. Phosphorus is found in most food because it is a critical constituent of all living organisms. Phosphorus is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15. Katselou M, Papoutsis I, Nikolaou P et al. It has been stated that ingestion of as little as 15 mg of elemental yellow phosphorus may cause symptoms, and 60 mg can be fatal. Mild organophosphate exposure may cause: narrowed, pinpointed pupils impaired, blurry vision stinging eyes runny nose watery eyes excess saliva glassy eyes headache nausea muscle weakness muscle twitching agitation In addition, they generate electrical impulses that enable cells to communicate with each other. Phosphorus poisoning (PP) presents with different symptoms depending on the kind of exposure. Other pertinent literature is also presented, but is described in less detail than the key studies. Several studies have examined the toxicity of white phosphorus smoke in humans and animals (White and Armstrong et al. It is difficult to remove phosphorus from the soil but excess levels can be remediated by using low phosphorus (or phosphorus free) fertilisers until … Phosphorus deficiency Although phosphorus is enough in food its deficiency is mainly due to certain diseases such as diabetes, starvation, and alcoholism. Potassium found in the blood and other body fluids is, along with calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and sulfur, commonly known as electrolyte. 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]. DESCRIPTION: White phosphorus is a toxic substance produced from phosphate-containing rocks. This allotrope of phosphorus is extremely toxic and the estimated human lethal dose is 50 - 100 mg. (1998). The highly flammable phosphorus-based compounds have been found in human and animal faeces, but in tiny quantities. However, survival of ingestion up to 1.5 grams have also been reported [Diza-Rivera et al. Hazard Summary. Diabetes. (More information) 2. Dysfunction of phosphate regulation has serious clinical consequences. A person with low levels of phosphorus may experience fatigue, joint pain, or confusion. Electrolytes keep bodily fluid levels in balance and help maintain the integrity of the cells. 1947). Phosphorus is highly mobile in biological tissues and will be readily absorbed. A reduced concentration of phosphate in the blood serum is a disorder known as hypophosphatemia. Diabetes can also lead to a deficiency, especially for people recovering from an episode … The appearance of symptoms may be sudden and dramatic or they may be delayed. 1950; Newburger et al. Transported at high temperatures. Phosphorus Overdose Symptoms, Toxicity Level & Side Effects Excess phosphorus can cause hyperphosphatemia or high blood phosphate levels. This compound can have mild effects like affecting the skin upon direct contact or the eyes in case of white phosphorus gas. The potassium concentration is balanced again… 1948]. Phosphorus deficiency Human data: Death has reportedly resulted from a single dose of 1 mg/kg [Smyth 1956]. Two naturally occurring forms: red and white phosphorus; Red is not absorbed well, limited toxicity. It has been used in the past as a pesticide and in fireworks. Further possibilities include inhalation of white phosphorus and its accidental ingestion. Systemic toxicity has been described extensively in the animal model. White phosphorus is used industrially to manufacture chemicals used in fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning compounds. Although phosphorus is enough in food its deficiency is mainly due to certain diseases such as diabetes, starvation, and alcoholism. See something you could improve? Excess phosphorus in the body occurs frequently and may be more concerned than the lack of it. The ATSDR toxicological profile succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects information for the hazardous substance described here. Phosphorus has a garlic-like odor and, when exposed to air, it … Phosphorus Poisoning in Humans. Phosphorus is the principal element in the structure of the nucleus and cytoplasm of all tissue cells. It is also a universally distributed component of skeletal, nerve, and muscle tissues. The excess is most commonly caused by kidney disorders, consuming excessive amounts of phosphorus in food and soft drinks, and if the diet does not have enough calcium. A high intake of phosphorus leads to: Phosphorus Poisoning in Humans. Red phosphorus is not considered to be potentially toxic as it is insoluble, nonvolatile, and unabsorbable. This page was last edited 20:20, 1 February 2019 by, https://www.wikem.org/w/index.php?title=Phosphorus_toxicity&oldid=205077, Two naturally occurring forms: red and white phosphorus, Red is not absorbed well, limited toxicity, Toxicity largely due to inadvertent production of white phosphorus or phosphine gas during manufacture, Exposure predominantly from use as incendiary munition by armed forces (though occasionally used in manufacture of fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning compounds), Caustic and cellular poison; ignites spontaneously in air, forms phosphorus pentoxide, which then reacts with water to form phosphoric acid, Damage due to both thermal and chemical burns, Vomit and other secretions may have garlic-like odor, Phosphorus particles may fluoresce under Wood's lamp. Human data: Death has reportedly resulted from a single dose of 1 mg/kg [Smyth 1956]. As a result, symptoms of phosphorus toxicity when they do occur are actually symptoms of iron and/or zinc deficiency. In addition, some diseases can reduce the digestibility of phosphorus (Crohn's disease, celiac disease). Life Sci 102: 81, 2014. The development of high-level resistance in insects now threatens its continued use. [] These changes result in the development of progressive anuria, decreased creatinine clearance, and increased blood phosphorus levels. Larger amounts of phosphorus in the body and cause a greater need for calcium. White phosphorus is used industrially to manufacture chemicals used in fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning compounds. Acute (short-term) oral exposure to high levels of white phosphorus in humans is characterized by three stages: the first stage … 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. 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- White phosphorus is extremely toxic to humans, while other forms of phosphorus are much less toxic. Phosphorus is a mineral found in many foods like beer, cheese, beans, and fish. However, survival of ingestion up to 1.5 grams have also been reported [Diza-Rivera et al. Signs of Toxicity - Humans. We need you! 7723-14-0. However, due to the dependence of phosphate elimination on the kidney, humans with decreased kidney function are likely to be in a positive phosphate balance. 1963;186(11):170. doi:10.1001/jama.1963.03710110096052 Download citation file: 1948]. 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. The acute lethal dose in humans is about 1 mg kg −1. Chronic poisoning is the poisoning which occurs as a result of repeated, small, non-lethal doses over a long period of time. Other signs and symptoms of severe poisoning might include dysrhythmias, coma, hypotension, and death. A high intake of phosphorus leads to: nonskeletal calcification of tissues (especially the kidneys, where it creates a kidney stone). [] Pathologic changes have been documented in the liver and kidney. Fumigation with phosphine gas is by far the most widely used treatment for the protection of stored grain against insect pests. Phosphorus is highly toxic to humans and animals. 1963;186(11):170. doi:10.1001/jama.1963.03710110096052 Download citation file: DESCRIPTION: White phosphorus is a toxic substance produced from phosphate-containing rocks. A common reason for this is over-consumption of foods high in phosphorus, such as canned, processed, or fast foods, or soft drinks. : A "Krokodil" emerges from the murky waters of addiction: abuse trends of an old drug. by manipulating ammunition or firecrackers, results in painful chemical burns, quick development of necrotic skin areas, which are typically yellow and feature a garlic-like scent. 1950; Newburger et al. Higher phosphate levels within the normal range are associated with vascular and valvular calcification in patients with moderate CKD, independent of PTH and calcitriol levels . Phosphine residues were detected in … Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis: Vol. Phosphorus toxicity in tomato plants: when and how does it occur? Also the lack of phosphorus can be affected by certain drugs (eg, diuretics). Citation. Yellow phosphorus (white phosphorus) is a significantly more hazardous form of the element and may be present as a contaminant in red phosphorus. High phosphorus intakes might be signs of diets that are unhealthy in other ways, for example . Phosphorus, white, molten appears as a white or yellow colored semi-liquid. 1980, 1981; Starke et al. Phosphorus has a garlic-like odor and, when exposed to air, it … 29, Soil … Severe toxic symptoms have been reported following a single oral dose of 15 mg [Sollmann 1943]. 2 In one study mortality rate was recorded as 50% 3 and, in another study, 48% of those who ingested large doses. The Walker et al. Elemental phosphorus exists in two major forms, white phosphorus and red phosphorus, but because it is highly reactive, phosphorus is never found as a free element on Earth.It has a concentration in the Earth's crust of about one gram per kilogram (compare copper at about 0.06 grams). Direct skin contact with white phosphorus, i.e. White phosphorus is used in the manufacture of munitions, pyrotechnics, explosives, smoke bombs, in artificial fertilizers, and rodenticides. Dietary phosphorus deficiency is uncommon and often only observed in cases of near-total starvation or in rare inherited disorders involvi… Larger amounts of phosphorus in the body and cause a greater need for calcium. 1935; Brown et al. Each peer-reviewed profile identifies and reviews the key literature that describes a hazardous substance's toxicologic properties. 2 Phosphorus is an essential structural component of cell membranes and nucleic acids but is also involved in several biological processes, including bone mineralization, energy production, cell signaling through phosphorylation reactions, and regulation of acid-base homeostasis. Ingestion of elemental white or yellow phosphorus typically causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, which are both described as “smoking,” “luminescent,” and having a garlic-like odor. If you take a look at the makeup of your body, you see that the majority of phosphorus is … The acute lethal dose in humans is about 1 mg kg −1. Used in manufacture of methamphetamines and also found in the illicit opioid "Krokodil"; Toxicity largely due to inadvertent production of white phosphorus or phosphine gas during manufacture Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency are: Overdose In humans, even mild elevations in serum phosphate may increase the risk of cardiovascular calcification. Combustion Products The combustion products associated with RP-BR have been chemically and physically characterized by the U.S. Army. Phosphorus poisoning (PP) occurs after accidental exposure to white (also synonymously termed yellow) phosphorus. Contact may cause burns to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Also the lack of phosphorus can be affected by certain drugs (eg, diuretics). phosphate toxicity, and discuss future directions for the management of phosphate balance in individuals with normal and impaired kidney function. Systemic toxicity has been described extensively in the animal model. Microbes have been found to be able to convert ordinary phosphates in food into highly reactive phosphine chemicals that can spontaneously combust when … 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… 1982; Walker et al. ... 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. Although phosphate production is a by-product of elemental phosphorus metabolism in humans, a normal phosphate concentration does not rule out an elemental phosphorus exposure. Severe toxic symptoms have been reported following a single oral dose of 15 mg [Sollmann 1943]. Most people get enough phosphorus in their diet, but some … This allotrope of phosphorus is extremely toxic and the estimated human lethal dose is 50 - 100 mg. Functions. Insoluble in water and denser than water. Sources Food sources. [] Pathologic changes have been documented in the liver and kidney. 1. Ingestion: mucus membrane irritation/burns, Chronic exposure associated with mandibular osteonecrosis ("phossy jaw"), Phosphorus in Krokodil likely contributes to the significant skin, vascular, and muscle damage that earned it the nick name "the flesh-eating drug", Serum phosphorus level NOT helpful in diagnosing (though may want to monitor if concern for other electrolyte abnormalities), Remove contaminated clothing, wash exposed areas with soap and water, Submersion in water/wet dressings can prevent spontaneous ignition of phosphorus particles, Manually debride/remove remaining phosphorus particles- may need wood's lamp to find, Inhalation: manage airway (may have significant irritation/edema), give, Rehydrate if significant GI losses, correct electrolyte abnormalities. Make an edit and help improve WikEM for everyone. JAMA. Abstract Acute phosphorus intoxication has been a familiar syndrome for many years. 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