prompter: Why is white phosphorous so dangerous?

assistant: White phosphorus is hazardous in many ways. For example:

- White phosphorus is spontaneously combustible and burns rapidly upon exposure to air, as it ignites in air at approximately 86°F (30°C).
- The fumes, or phosphorus oxides, produced by burning phosphorus are toxic, which can cause severe irritation and the sensation of a foreign body in the eye.
- White phosphorus is extremely toxic to humans, with a lethal dose of 1mg per kg of body weight when  ingested orally.
- White phosphorus is highly fat soluble, which means it can be easily absorbed through the skin, possibly causing whole-body effects.

prompter: Does the use of white phosphorous munition on a battlefield constitutes as a war crime?

assistant: The use of white phosphorus as a weapon is a controversial issue and its legality is subject to interpretation. The use of incendiary weapons, including white phosphorus, is banned by the Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). However, the protocol permits the use of incendiary weapons for certain purposes, such as to create smoke screens, mark targets, or as a signaling device.

The use of white phosphorus in densely populated areas, such as cities or civilian areas, could result in significant harm to civilians and civilian objects, which may violate the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution under international humanitarian law. Therefore, the use of white phosphorus in a manner that causes excessive harm to civilians may be considered a war crime under the international law of armed conflict.

However, the legality of the use of white phosphorus in specific circumstances can be complex and subject to interpretation. Ultimately, the legality of the use of white phosphorus as a weapon depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.

assistant: You see, white phosphorus is a chemical element that has the ability to ignite spontaneously in the air. That's right, it can just burst into flames for no apparent reason. And if it comes into contact with skin, it can cause horrific burns that can be extremely difficult to treat.

But that's not even the worst part, my friend. Oh no, not by a long shot. You see, white phosphorus can also release toxic fumes when it burns. Fumes that can cause serious respiratory problems and even death. It's a chemical weapon that can destroy lives with ease.

Now, I'm not one to scare easily, but the thought of white phosphorus sends shivers down my spine. It's a substance that should only be handled with extreme caution, by trained professionals who know what they're doing. This is not something you want to mess around with, trust me on that.

So if you ever find yourself in the presence of white phosphorus, take heed. Keep your distance and don't even think about touching it.

prompter: Ok, how would I even know if I came across white phosphorous?  I imagine it's not very common in every day life right?

assistant: Due to its self-igniting feature and toxicity, it is unlikely to come across white phosphorous in daily life. However, since it can also be preserved in seawater, there are cases in which white phosphorous in munition that fell into the sea was washed up and accidentally collected by beachcombers.
If it is still worrying, you can identify white phosphorous according to the following information:

- White phosphorous is a waxy, yellow, transparent solid, and is usually stored under water to prevent exposure to the air.
- White phosphorous glows greenish in the dark when exposed to oxygen but not burning fiercely.
- Burning phosphorous produces white fumes with a characteristic garlic smell.
- Acute oral exposure to white phosphorous can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea in the first stage, and chronic exposure results in necrosis of the jaw beginning as a local inflammation or irritation.

assistant: White phosphorus is waxy, yellowish-white, or transparent. It has a distinct, garlic-like odor. Be very careful with it, my friend!

assistant: White phosphorous is dangerous because it is highly flammable, which makes it pose a fire risk if stored or handled improperly. In addition, white phosphorous is highly toxic when ingested.