Phosphorus is also important in the production of steels, phosphor bronze, and many other products. Trisodium phosphate is important as a cleaning agent, as a water softener, and for preventing boiler scale and corrosion of pipes and boiler tubes. Organic compounds of phosphorus are important. Fumes are irritating to the respiratory tract and cause severe ocular irritation. White to yellow, soft, waxy solid.
White phosphorus burns rapidly in air to form phosphoric oxide.
A comprehensive examination of metal levels at various trophic levels within an undisturbed Precambrian Shield lake ecosystem was made. Concn of 21 naturally occurring elements including phosphorus were measured in sediments, clams, fish, birds, and mammals. Mercury was the only element to exhibit biomagnification. The elemental composition of a group of airborne and settled grain dusts is reported. Cover with wet sand, shovel into bucket and remove to safe, open, isolated area where the phosphorus can be burnt off under supervision after drying out.