There are two naturally occurring types of elemental phosphorus: red and yellow. Red phosphorus is not absorbed and is essentially nontoxic. In contrast, yellow phosphorus (also called white phosphorus) is a highly toxic cellular poison. Yellow/white phosphorus is a colorless or yellow waxlike crystalline solid with a garlic-like odor and is almost insoluble in water.

Phosphorus is used to make fertilizers, as an additive in food and beverages, and as a cleaning compound, and it has been used in matches, fireworks, and as a pesticide. It is also used in the manufacture of methamphetamine and as an incendiary in military ammunition.

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   Mechanism of toxicity

   
   
   
   
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      Phosphorus is highly corrosive and is also a general cellular poison. Cardiovascular collapse occurring after ingestion probably results not only from fluid loss caused by vomiting and diarrhea but also from a direct toxic effect on the heart and vascular tone.

      
      
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      Yellow/white phosphorus spontaneously combusts in air at room temperature to yield phosphorus oxide, a highly irritating fume.

   
   
   
   
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   Toxic dose

   
   
   
   
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      Ingestion.

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