Phosphine (PH3) Gas Detectors

Characteristics of Phosphine

Phosphine is a colorless, flammable, highly toxic gas with a fishy or garlic-like odor. Phosphine acts on the central nervous system and lungs, leading to pulmonary edema. Symptoms like faintness, vomiting, headache, tightness in the chest may appear rapidly after exposure. Even a short exposure to an acute amount of phosphine can lead to chronic neurological problems.

Phosphine is highly flammable and may spontaneously ignite in the air or even explode when mixed with oxygen. Phosphine coming in contact with oxidizers, halogenated hydrocarbons, or even aluminum and copper may cause the same. You must use extreme care whenever working with or around phosphine.