When we hear about various wars and conflicts in the news, we also hear about various types of bombs and weapons. But did you know that some weapons have extremely severe consequences due to the dangerous chemicals they contain. One such dangerous chemical weapon is the "white phosphorus bomb". In this article, we will talk about it simply.
What is this white phosphorus?
Simply put, white phosphorus is a chemical substance made from phosphate rocks. When solid, it has a waxy consistency and a pungent odor similar to garlic. It can be white or yellow in color, and sometimes it can be colorless.
This white phosphorus is extremely toxic to humans. It is also very unstable. That is, at a temperature about 10-15 degrees above normal room temperature, it reacts with the oxygen in the air and spontaneously ignites .
Just think of all the uses for this stuff. White phosphorus is used to make things like computer chips, metal alloys, agricultural fertilizers, glow-in-the-dark paints, rat poison, and firecrackers. But, in addition to these common uses, some countries and groups also use it to make bombs and other weapons of war.
How do these white phosphorus bombs work?
White phosphorus bombs are a type of "incendiary weapon." This means that in addition to causing damage by exploding, they can also spread fire.
This is not a normal fire. This is a fire caused by the combustion of phosphorus. This fire burns at a temperature of more than 800 degrees Celsius. A white phosphorus bomb can spread this fierce fire over an area of hundreds of square yards. The most dangerous thing is that the fire will not go out until the phosphorus is completely burned . All it needs is the oxygen in the air.
Because of this, injuries from white phosphorus bombs are much more severe than those from regular bombs. They are also very difficult to treat. Doctors and staff need special training to treat these types of injuries.
How does this affect the human body?
A white phosphorus bomb has a more severe impact on human health than any other weapon with similar explosive power.
Effect on the skin
If white phosphorus gets on the skin, it can cause excruciatingly painful, deep burns . These can be ``second-degree`` or ``third-degree`` burns. This means that not only the surface of the skin is damaged, but also the tissues underneath.
The burn usually turns yellow and has a garlic odor. As the white phosphorus continues to burn on the skin, you may see smoke coming out of the wound.
The biggest danger here is that white phosphorus is a fat-soluble substance . Therefore, it is easily absorbed through the skin into the body, that is, into the blood. Once absorbed, it begins to cause other serious symptoms inside the body.
Imagine, even if you have a white phosphorus burn on less than 10% of your body, the toxins absorbed by your body can damage your kidneys, liver, and heart, and even cause death.
Ingestion or inhalation
Ingestion (swallowing) or inhalation of white phosphorus is extremely dangerous. If someone ingests white phosphorus, symptoms can occur in three main stages.
| Stage | Main features |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Digestive system problems. Things like stomach aches and vomiting may occur. |
| Stage 2 | "Silent period". During this 48-hour period, there are no significant symptoms. But the damage inside the body is still happening. |
| Stage 3 | The condition rapidly worsens. Severe vomiting, abdominal cramps, and severe pain occur. The liver, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and central nervous system begin to show signs of damage. |
In addition, inhaling white phosphorus fumes can cause respiratory irritation and coughing.
Long-term effect
Long-term exposure to white phosphorus (for example, working in a factory that produces it) can cause a dangerous condition called "phossy jaw." This is when the jawbone melts and dies. This is medically known as necrosis . It starts with a small swelling and pain in the jaw, then over time, the jawbone can become ulcerated, and eventually the jawbone can die.
What does the law say about this?
Many international legal experts say that the use of white phosphorus bombs is illegal under international humanitarian law. There are various treaties and conventions for this. But there are some disagreements and problematic areas regarding these legal issues. Some laws contradict each other, and there are times when the laws change depending on the situation. However, it is considered an extremely inhumane and dangerous weapon throughout the world.
Take-Home Message
- White phosphorus is a highly flammable, highly toxic, and dangerous chemical.
- The burns are very deep and painful. Phosphorus can also be absorbed through the skin and into the body, damaging internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart, and even causing death.
- For someone exposed to something like this, the treatment for a normal burn will not be sufficient. They need immediate specialist medical attention.
- If anyone encounters such an accident, immediately take them to a hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
- Being aware of the dangers of such weapons is important for our safety as well as for humanitarian considerations.
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