About Aluminium Phosphide
- Aluminium phosphideis commonly known as Celphos.
- Characteristics of Aluminium Phosphide
- It is a yellow or dark grey crystalline solid that has a garlic-like odour.
- It is a cheap, effective and commonly used pesticide.
- It liberates lethal phosphine gas when it comes in contact either with atmospheric moisture or with hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
- Phosphine gas, which is highly flammable, and very toxic in nature
- The mechanism of toxicity includes cellular hypoxia due to the effect on mitochondria, inhibition of cytochrome C oxidase and formation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals.
- Uses of Aluminium Phosphide:
- Aluminum Phosphide (ALP) is a highly toxic fumigant which is used commonly as an indoor pesticide in agriculture based industry for storage of grains.
- It is often dispersed in pellets; the pellets react with moisture which produces toxic phosphine gas.
- It is also used to make semi-conductor materials such as light-emitting diodes.
- Impact on Human Health: Aluminium phosphide poisoning continues to be a serious public-health challenge, particularly in agricultural states such as Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
