In cats chronically exposed to phosphine via inhalation, effects on the blood, kidney, and liver have been reported. No impairment in reproductive function was observed in a study of rats exposed to phosphine in their diet. No information is available on the carcinogenic effects of phosphine in humans. In two studies of rats exposed to phosphine in their diets, no difference in tumor incidence was observed between treated rats and controls. EPA has classified phosphine as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
Phosphine occurs as a colorless, flammable gas that is slightly soluble in water.
Uses Phosphine is used as an insecticide for the fumigation of grains, animal feed, and leaf-stored tobacco, and as a rodenticide. References U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Toxicology Information Program, National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD. 1993. Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.