4.1 Phosphine
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1361 – Revised Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships Applicable to the Fumigation of Cargo Transport Units – (27 May 2010) - Annex – Revised Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships Applicable to the Fumigation of Cargo Transport Units - 4 Fumigants Used - 4.1 Phosphine

4.1 Phosphine

  4.1.1 This process requires a long period of time to work completely. This can be applied with little technical training as it is supplied in sachets, tablets or pressed plates containing Magnesium Phosphide or Aluminium Phosphide. These generate Phosphine gas when exposed to the moisture in the air. The gas has a slight "fishy garlic" smell and breaks down into a powdery grey residue.

  4.1.2 The rate of generation of Phosphine depends on the temperature, the airborne moisture and the extent to which the generating material is exposed to the air.

  4.1.3 Symptoms of poisoning by inhalation of Phosphine include nausea, vomiting, headache, feeling weak, fainting, pain in chest, cough, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Pulmonary oedema (the presence of excess fluid in the lungs usually due to heart failure) can follow, usually within 24 h, but sometimes this is delayed for some days.

Parent topic: 4 Fumigants Used
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