ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
PHOSPHORUS PENTOXIDE (P2O5)
SYNONYMS
Phosphoric anhydride.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Very corrosive.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from water.
Keep the lid tightly closed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
White, very hygroscopic crystals which deliquesces on contact
with air.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
An extremely corrosive substance which reacts violently with
water to form phosphoric acid. It can be absorbed into the body
by inhalation (fumes) or by ingestion (liquid). Contact with
combustible substances may cause fire and explosion. Acute
exposure to the eyes causes redness, burning, pain and blurred
vision. Skin contact causes painful burns. Inhalation causes
sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath and laboured
breathing. Lung oedema may occur which can result in serious
respiratory problems. Ingestion causes sore throat, abdominal
pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Burning to the mouth and
oesophagus will occur.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing, immediately wash the
affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of
the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
burning pain persists seek medical attention. Wash contaminated
clothes before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If burning or pain persist seek
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep
warm and sit in a halfupright position. Seek immediate medical
advice.
Ingestion rinse the mouth with water and give plenty of water
to drink. Seek immediate medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Phosphorus pentoxide is incompatible with:
Water violent reaction.
Strong oxidising agents, reducing agents and strong bases many
of these reactions cause fire or explosion.
STORAGE
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry atmosphere
away from incompatible substances.
HANDLING
Use a fume hood to keep the level of exposure below the
recommended threshold limit, ie. 1ppm. If levels of exposure are
expected to exceed this limit then a respirator should be worn.
Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or
gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum
standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained breathing
apparatus. have a body shield available.
SPILLS:
Cover the contaminated surface with sodium bicarbonate or soda
ash-slaked lime mixture (50/50). Mix, and add water if necessary
to form a slurry. scoop up the slurry and discharge to the sewer
with a large excess of water.. wash the spill site with a soda
ash solution.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add slowly to a large volume of an agitated solution of soda ash
and slaked lime until the solution is neutral. Discharge to the
sewer with a large excess of water.
ENVIRONMENT:
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