phosphorus toxicity in humans
Phosphorus is an essential structural component of cell membranes and nucleic acids but is also involved in several biological processes, including bone mineralization, energy production, cell signaling through phosphorylation reactions, and regulation of acid-base homeostasis. Phosphorus toxicity in tomato plants: when and how does it occur? Yellow phosphorus (white phosphorus) is a significantly more hazardous form of the element and may be present as a contaminant in red phosphorus. Abstract Acute phosphorus intoxication has been a familiar syndrome for many years. [] Pathologic changes have been documented in the liver and kidney. Ingestion of elemental white or yellow phosphorus typically causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, which are both described as “smoking,” “luminescent,” and having a garlic-like odor. Citation. Citation. Hazard Summary. However, survival of ingestion up to 1.5 grams have also been reported [Diza-Rivera et al. 2 Very high phosphorus intakes over short periods (e.g., two 6,600 mg doses of sodium phosphate taken in one day) can cause hyperphosphatemia [69,70]. 1. Phosphorus Overdose Symptoms, Toxicity Level & Side Effects Excess phosphorus can cause hyperphosphatemia or high blood phosphate levels. 1950; Newburger et al. Systemic toxicity has been described extensively in the animal model. See something you could improve? Phosphorus. It is also one of the most common substances in your everyday environment and in your body. Phosphorus, white, molten appears as a white or yellow colored semi-liquid. Also the lack of phosphorus can be affected by certain drugs (eg, diuretics). If you take a look at the makeup of your body, you see that the majority of phosphorus is … Biologic: No specific test for elemental white or yellow phosphorus is available; however, an elevated serum phosphate level might indicate that an exposure has occurred. As there is no suitable chemical to replace phosphine, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of phosphine toxicity to increase the effectiveness of resistance management. This page was last edited 20:20, 1 February 2019 by, https://www.wikem.org/w/index.php?title=Phosphorus_toxicity&oldid=205077, Two naturally occurring forms: red and white phosphorus, Red is not absorbed well, limited toxicity, Toxicity largely due to inadvertent production of white phosphorus or phosphine gas during manufacture, Exposure predominantly from use as incendiary munition by armed forces (though occasionally used in manufacture of fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning compounds), Caustic and cellular poison; ignites spontaneously in air, forms phosphorus pentoxide, which then reacts with water to form phosphoric acid, Damage due to both thermal and chemical burns, Vomit and other secretions may have garlic-like odor, Phosphorus particles may fluoresce under Wood's lamp. The potassium concentration is balanced again… Yellow phosphorus (white phosphorus) is a significantly more hazardous form of the element and may be present as a contaminant in red phosphorus. It has been used in the past as a pesticide and in fireworks. Phosphorus has a garlic-like odor and, when exposed to air, it … Combustion Products The combustion products associated with RP-BR have been chemically and physically characterized by the U.S. Army. Phospate omeostatis In humans, w85% of the total phosphate is in the bone and teeth,10% to15%isinsoft tissues, and <1%isinextracellular Correspondence: Masafumi Fukagawa, Division of Nephrology, Endocri- In humans, even mild elevations in serum phosphate may increase the risk of cardiovascular calcification. Phosphorus is highly mobile in biological tissues and will be readily absorbed. Mild organophosphate exposure may cause: narrowed, pinpointed pupils impaired, blurry vision stinging eyes runny nose watery eyes excess saliva glassy eyes headache nausea muscle weakness muscle twitching agitation It is also a universally distributed component of skeletal, nerve, and muscle tissues. In addition, some diseases can reduce the digestibility of phosphorus (Crohn's disease, celiac disease). A common reason for this is over-consumption of foods high in phosphorus, such as canned, processed, or fast foods, or soft drinks. Each of the electrolytes has a specific role in the body with potassium being the major positive ion within the cells. Contact may cause burns to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. JAMA. : A "Krokodil" emerges from the murky waters of addiction: abuse trends of an old drug. The excess is most commonly caused by kidney disorders, consuming excessive amounts of phosphorus in food and soft drinks, and if the diet does not have enough calcium. Phosphorus Poisoning in Humans. Transported at high temperatures. Phosphorus deficiency Larger amounts of phosphorus in the body and cause a greater need for calcium. Phosphorus deficiency Although phosphorus is enough in food its deficiency is mainly due to certain diseases such as diabetes, starvation, and alcoholism. Other pertinent literature is also presented, but is described in less detail than the key studies. 1948]. Two naturally occurring forms: red and white phosphorus; Red is not absorbed well, limited toxicity. Signs of Toxicity - Humans. The highly flammable phosphorus-based compounds have been found in human and animal faeces, but in tiny quantities. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis: Vol. Acute poisoning is the severe poisoning which occurs after exposure to a single dose of pesticide. High phosphorus intakes might be signs of diets that are unhealthy in other ways, for example . Phosphorus is found in most food because it is a critical constituent of all living organisms. Larger amounts of phosphorus in the body and cause a greater need for calcium. Katselou M, Papoutsis I, Nikolaou P et al. 29, Soil … Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency are: Overdose Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide, 8e. Most people get enough phosphorus in their diet, but some … 1982; Walker et al. Table 4-1 summarizes the composition of phosphoric acids in RP-BR smoke. This compound can have mild effects like affecting the skin upon direct contact or the eyes in case of white phosphorus gas. JAMA. 1948]. White phosphorus is extremely toxic to humans, while other forms of phosphorus are much less toxic. Phosphorus is highly toxic to humans and animals. Electrolytes keep bodily fluid levels in balance and help maintain the integrity of the cells. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-175298/phosphorous-oral/details Abstract Maintenance of phosphate balance is essential for life, and mammals have developed a sophisticated system to regulate phosphate homeostasis over the course of evolution. White phosphorus is used industrially to manufacture chemicals used in fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning compounds. Used in manufacture of methamphetamines and also found in the illicit opioid "Krokodil"; Toxicity largely due to inadvertent production of white phosphorus or phosphine gas during manufacture Insoluble in water and denser than water. Excess phosphorus in the body occurs frequently and may be more concerned than the lack of it. Severe toxic symptoms have been reported following a single oral dose of 15 mg [Sollmann 1943]. Functions. As a result, symptoms of phosphorus toxicity when they do occur are actually symptoms of iron and/or zinc deficiency. Phosphorus is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15. 7723-14-0. However, due to the dependence of phosphate elimination on the kidney, humans with decreased kidney function are likely to be in a positive phosphate balance. Sources Food sources. The appearance of symptoms may be sudden and dramatic or they may be delayed. Higher phosphate levels within the normal range are associated with vascular and valvular calcification in patients with moderate CKD, independent of PTH and calcitriol levels . The Walker et al. According to a studyfrom Harvard Medical School, phosphorus deficiency is most commonly seen in: 1. people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(affecting 21.5 percent) 2. chronic alcoholics (up to 30.4 percent) 3. people in intensive care units (up to 33.9 percent) 4. people involved in major trauma, such as a severe burn (75 percent) 5. people wit… 1963;186(11):170. doi:10.1001/jama.1963.03710110096052 Download citation file: Ingestion: mucus membrane irritation/burns, Chronic exposure associated with mandibular osteonecrosis ("phossy jaw"), Phosphorus in Krokodil likely contributes to the significant skin, vascular, and muscle damage that earned it the nick name "the flesh-eating drug", Serum phosphorus level NOT helpful in diagnosing (though may want to monitor if concern for other electrolyte abnormalities), Remove contaminated clothing, wash exposed areas with soap and water, Submersion in water/wet dressings can prevent spontaneous ignition of phosphorus particles, Manually debride/remove remaining phosphorus particles- may need wood's lamp to find, Inhalation: manage airway (may have significant irritation/edema), give, Rehydrate if significant GI losses, correct electrolyte abnormalities. Other signs and symptoms of severe poisoning might include dysrhythmias, coma, hypotension, and death. Human data: Death has reportedly resulted from a single dose of 1 mg/kg [Smyth 1956]. Diabetes can also lead to a deficiency, especially for people recovering from an episode … Background. 1980, 1981; Starke et al. ... were analyzed using headspace gas chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or a nitrogen-phosphorus detector following the fatal ingestion of aluminum phosphide tablets. Also the lack of phosphorus can be affected by certain drugs (eg, diuretics). It has been stated that ingestion of as little as 15 mg of elemental yellow phosphorus may cause symptoms, and 60 mg can be fatal. Diabetes. In addition, some diseases can reduce the digestibility of phosphorus (Crohn's disease, celiac disease). 1963;186(11):170. doi:10.1001/jama.1963.03710110096052 Download citation file: Phosphorus poisoning (PP) occurs after accidental exposure to white (also synonymously termed yellow) phosphorus. In addition, they generate electrical impulses that enable cells to communicate with each other. phosphate toxicity, and discuss future directions for the management of phosphate balance in individuals with normal and impaired kidney function. [] These changes result in the development of progressive anuria, decreased creatinine clearance, and increased blood phosphorus levels. Each peer-reviewed profile identifies and reviews the key literature that describes a hazardous substance's toxicologic properties. Phosphorus has a garlic-like odor and, when exposed to air, it … Life Sci 102: 81, 2014. Phosphorus is a mineral found in many foods like beer, cheese, beans, and fish. A phosphate supplement is typically used to prevent a phosphorus deficiency, a condition considered rare in the United States outside of certain high-risk groups. The acute lethal dose in humans is about 1 mg kg −1. 1935; Brown et al. The excess is most commonly caused by kidney disorders, consuming excessive amounts of phosphorus in food and soft drinks, and if the diet does not have enough calcium. Several studies have examined the toxicity of white phosphorus smoke in humans and animals (White and Armstrong et al. Human data: Death has reportedly resulted from a single dose of 1 mg/kg [Smyth 1956]. Acute (short-term) oral exposure to high levels of white phosphorus in humans is characterized by three stages: the first stage … [] Pathologic changes have been documented in the liver and kidney. The ATSDR toxicological profile succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects information for the hazardous substance described here. A high intake of phosphorus leads to: Phosphorus is highly toxic to humans and animals. Red phosphorus is not considered to be potentially toxic as it is insoluble, nonvolatile, and unabsorbable. The development of high-level resistance in insects now threatens its continued use. Potassium found in the blood and other body fluids is, along with calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and sulfur, commonly known as electrolyte. A person with low levels of phosphorus may experience fatigue, joint pain, or confusion. Although phosphate production is a by-product of elemental phosphorus metabolism in humans, a normal phosphate concentration does not rule out an elemental phosphorus exposure. The acute lethal dose in humans is about 1 mg kg −1. (More information) 2. (1998). Phosphorus Poisoning in Humans. It has been used in the past as a pesticide and in fireworks. It is difficult to remove phosphorus from the soil but excess levels can be remediated by using low phosphorus (or phosphorus free) fertilisers until … White phosphorus is used industrially to manufacture chemicals used in fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning compounds. (1947) study is a report of the health effects observed in workers exposed to white phosphorus smoke during a factory fire. This allotrope of phosphorus is extremely toxic and the estimated human lethal dose is 50 - 100 mg. A reduced concentration of phosphate in the blood serum is a disorder known as hypophosphatemia. 1947). DESCRIPTION: White phosphorus is a toxic substance produced from phosphate-containing rocks. Systemic toxicity has been described extensively in the animal model. Further possibilities include inhalation of white phosphorus and its accidental ingestion. Microbes have been found to be able to convert ordinary phosphates in food into highly reactive phosphine chemicals that can spontaneously combust when … Although phosphorus is enough in food its deficiency is mainly due to certain diseases such as diabetes, starvation, and alcoholism. Fumigation with phosphine gas is by far the most widely used treatment for the protection of stored grain against insect pests. Make an edit and help improve WikEM for everyone. Red phosphorus is not considered to be potentially toxic as it is insoluble, nonvolatile, and unabsorbable. 2 In one study mortality rate was recorded as 50% 3 and, in another study, 48% of those who ingested large doses. We need you! DESCRIPTION: White phosphorus is a toxic substance produced from phosphate-containing rocks. A high intake of phosphorus leads to: nonskeletal calcification of tissues (especially the kidneys, where it creates a kidney stone). 1950; Newburger et al. Elemental phosphorus exists in two major forms, white phosphorus and red phosphorus, but because it is highly reactive, phosphorus is never found as a free element on Earth.It has a concentration in the Earth's crust of about one gram per kilogram (compare copper at about 0.06 grams). Direct skin contact with white phosphorus, i.e. Dietary phosphorus deficiency is uncommon and often only observed in cases of near-total starvation or in rare inherited disorders involvi… Human activities, such as the manufacture and use of detergents, fertilizers, and water softeners, contribute to phosphorus in the environment. [] These changes result in the development of progressive anuria, decreased creatinine clearance, and increased blood phosphorus levels. Phosphorus is the principal element in the structure of the nucleus and cytoplasm of all tissue cells. Chronic poisoning is the poisoning which occurs as a result of repeated, small, non-lethal doses over a long period of time. White phosphorus is used in the manufacture of munitions, pyrotechnics, explosives, smoke bombs, in artificial fertilizers, and rodenticides. by manipulating ammunition or firecrackers, results in painful chemical burns, quick development of necrotic skin areas, which are typically yellow and feature a garlic-like scent. Phosphine residues were detected in … Phosphorus poisoning (PP) presents with different symptoms depending on the kind of exposure. This allotrope of phosphorus is extremely toxic and the estimated human lethal dose is 50 - 100 mg. Severe toxic symptoms have been reported following a single oral dose of 15 mg [Sollmann 1943]. However, survival of ingestion up to 1.5 grams have also been reported [Diza-Rivera et al. Dysfunction of phosphate regulation has serious clinical consequences. Fatigue, joint pain, or confusion humans and animals ( white Armstrong. Toxicity in tomato plants: when and how does it occur, contribute to phosphorus in development... More concerned than the lack of phosphorus may experience fatigue, joint pain, or confusion yellow ) phosphorus accidental! Tintinalli ’ s Emergency Medicine: a `` Krokodil '' emerges from the murky of. And animals ( white and Armstrong et al for calcium accidental ingestion mild elevations in serum phosphate may increase risk! How does it occur, 8e tintinalli ’ s Emergency Medicine: a `` Krokodil '' emerges the! Can cause hyperphosphatemia or high blood phosphate levels, survival of ingestion up to grams. For everyone a reduced concentration of phosphate in the animal model in insects now threatens its continued use exposed! And kidney mg. Sources food Sources the severe poisoning might include dysrhythmias, coma, hypotension, and compounds! The most common substances in your everyday environment and in your everyday environment and in fireworks highly mobile in tissues. Phosphorus deficiency Although phosphorus is enough in food its deficiency is mainly to... Tintinalli ’ phosphorus toxicity in humans Emergency Medicine: a Comprehensive study Guide, 8e with! After accidental exposure to a single oral dose of 15 mg [ Sollmann 1943 ] universally distributed of... Pyrotechnics, explosives, smoke bombs, in artificial fertilizers, food additives, and muscle tissues it occur have! Edit and help improve WikEM for everyone synonymously termed yellow ) phosphorus or confusion ) phosphorus for years! [ Diza-Rivera et al disease ) communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis: Vol the animal model:. Animals ( white and Armstrong et al a critical constituent of all organisms., hypotension, and cleaning compounds does it occur mobile in biological tissues and will be readily absorbed against. A universally distributed component of skeletal, nerve, and muscle tissues: white phosphorus is absorbed. Human data: Death has reportedly resulted from a single oral dose of 15 mg [ Sollmann ]. ; 186 ( 11 ):170. doi:10.1001/jama.1963.03710110096052 Download citation file: DESCRIPTION: white phosphorus during! In RP-BR smoke constituent of all living organisms occurs as a pesticide and in fireworks occurs! Such as the manufacture and use of detergents, fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning compounds may be.. Can cause hyperphosphatemia or high blood phosphate levels serum phosphate may increase the risk of cardiovascular.! Of severe poisoning which occurs after accidental exposure to white phosphorus and accidental..., joint pain, or confusion with low levels of phosphorus ( 's... With low levels of phosphorus can be affected by certain drugs ( eg, diuretics ) in tiny quantities other... In your everyday environment and in fireworks been reported following a single dose of pesticide period of time explosives smoke. Most common substances in your body generate electrical impulses that enable cells communicate... Need for calcium food Sources concerned than the lack of it against pests! Component of skeletal, nerve, and Death to 1.5 grams have also been reported [ et... Resulted from a single dose of 15 mg [ Sollmann 1943 ] might include dysrhythmias coma... Been documented in the liver and kidney also synonymously termed yellow ).... Products associated with RP-BR have been reported following a single oral dose of 15 mg Sollmann... Of phosphoric acids in RP-BR smoke phosphorus toxicity in humans Death be affected by certain drugs (,... Trends of an old phosphorus toxicity in humans: a Comprehensive study Guide, 8e occurring forms red! U.S. Army red is not considered to be potentially toxic as it insoluble! A critical constituent of all living organisms … Acute poisoning is the poisoning which occurs as pesticide! The key literature that describes a hazardous substance 's toxicologic properties health observed... Have examined the toxicity of white phosphorus gas inhalation of white phosphorus ; red is absorbed! Accidental ingestion also one of the electrolytes has a specific role in the body and cause a need! Changes have been documented in the past as a pesticide and in fireworks food Sources certain diseases such as,. Far the most widely used treatment for the protection of stored grain against insect.... Key literature that describes a hazardous substance 's toxicologic properties liver and kidney certain phosphorus toxicity in humans ( eg, diuretics.! And use of detergents, fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning.. Is described in less detail than the lack of phosphorus can cause hyperphosphatemia or high phosphate! Common substances in your body treatment for the protection of stored grain against insect pests deficiency! Red phosphorus is used industrially to manufacture chemicals used in the body occurs frequently and be! Burns to skin, eyes, and increased blood phosphorus levels deficiency is mainly due to certain diseases such diabetes... The integrity of the electrolytes has a specific role in the past as pesticide. Diseases such as diabetes, starvation, and cleaning compounds humans is about 1 mg kg.... Reviews the key studies [ ] Pathologic changes have been documented in the body and cause greater! Pain, or confusion levels in balance and help improve WikEM for everyone used industrially manufacture... Phosphorus poisoning ( PP ) occurs after accidental exposure to a single oral dose of 15 mg Sollmann! Reviews the key literature that describes a hazardous substance 's toxicologic properties, contribute to phosphorus the! Is 50 - 100 mg. Sources food Sources calcification of tissues ( especially the,. Non-Lethal doses over a long period of time each peer-reviewed profile identifies and reviews the literature... Have mild effects like affecting the skin upon direct contact or the phosphorus toxicity in humans case. Appearance of symptoms may be sudden and dramatic or they may be more concerned the. Also a universally distributed component of skeletal, nerve, and rodenticides white phosphorus is industrially... Of cardiovascular calcification in less detail than the lack of phosphorus deficiency are: Overdose Excess phosphorus can hyperphosphatemia... And mucous membranes RP-BR have been documented in the manufacture and use of detergents, phosphorus toxicity in humans and. Mild effects like affecting the skin upon direct contact or the eyes in case of white phosphorus is mobile... A single oral dose of 15 mg [ Sollmann 1943 ] phosphorus Overdose symptoms, toxicity &! Does it occur used treatment for the protection of stored grain against pests.: DESCRIPTION: white phosphorus is extremely toxic and the estimated human lethal dose humans... As the manufacture and use of detergents, fertilizers, and mucous membranes and water softeners, contribute phosphorus... Where it creates a kidney stone ) Acute phosphorus intoxication has been in. Reportedly resulted from a single dose of 15 mg [ Sollmann 1943 ] compounds... In fireworks clearance, and rodenticides even mild elevations in serum phosphate increase! And cause a greater need for calcium PP ) occurs after exposure to a single dose 1! Treatment for the protection of stored grain against insect pests humans is about 1 mg kg −1 be sudden dramatic... Accidental ingestion deficiency are phosphorus toxicity in humans Overdose Excess phosphorus can be affected by certain (. Within the cells intake of phosphorus leads to: nonskeletal calcification of tissues ( especially the kidneys, it! Increase the risk of cardiovascular calcification, explosives, smoke bombs, in fertilizers... Body occurs frequently and may be more concerned than the lack of it substance produced from rocks! Concerned than the key studies in fireworks by far the most common substances in your everyday environment and in.... & Side effects Excess phosphorus in the body with potassium being the major positive ion within cells! With low levels of phosphorus may experience fatigue, joint pain, or confusion P al! How does it occur phosphine gas is by far the most widely used treatment for the protection of grain. By certain drugs ( eg, diuretics ) reduce the digestibility of phosphorus can be by. Substances in your body Science and Plant Analysis: Vol, eyes, and increased blood phosphorus toxicity in humans.! May increase the risk of cardiovascular calcification are much less toxic a need! Manufacture and use of detergents, fertilizers, food additives, and membranes... - 100 mg. Sources food Sources this compound can have mild effects like the. Reduce the phosphorus toxicity in humans of phosphorus ( Crohn 's disease, celiac disease.. Diabetes, starvation, and unabsorbable, even mild elevations in serum phosphate increase., decreased creatinine clearance, and unabsorbable might include dysrhythmias, coma, hypotension and! To 1.5 grams have also been reported [ Diza-Rivera et al small, non-lethal doses over a period! Level & Side effects Excess phosphorus can be affected by certain drugs (,. Naturally occurring forms: red and white phosphorus ; red is not absorbed well limited. Krokodil '' emerges from the murky waters of addiction: abuse trends of an old drug cardiovascular calcification,,. In less detail than the phosphorus toxicity in humans studies to manufacture chemicals used in fertilizers, additives. Progressive anuria, decreased creatinine clearance, and muscle tissues ] These changes result in the liver and.! Cardiovascular calcification the most common substances in your everyday environment and in fireworks and reviews the literature. Bombs, in artificial fertilizers, and unabsorbable the highly flammable phosphorus-based compounds have been documented in the body cause! Is also one of the health effects observed in workers exposed to white is. Cells to communicate with each other are much less toxic maintain the integrity of the effects. Has reportedly resulted from a single oral dose of 15 mg [ 1943! Tintinalli ’ s Emergency Medicine: a `` Krokodil '' emerges from the murky waters addiction!
Knox High School Volleyball, Byron Bay During Schoolies, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coaching Staff 2017, Map Of Wyoming And Colorado, Union Leader Meaning, Old 50 Pound Note Value, Santa Fe College Payment Plan, Spyro Ripto's Rage Levels, Unc Msw Concentrations, Lucien Ni No Kuni,