Description
PHOSTOXIN® tablets and pellets contain aluminum phosphide (AlP) as their active ingredient and will liberate phosphine via the following chemical reaction: AlP + 3H2O —> Al(OH)3 + PH3 Phosphine gas is highly toxic to insects, burrowing pests, humans, and other forms of ani- mal life. In addition to its toxic properties, the gas will corrode certain metals and may ignite spontaneously in air at concentrations above its lower flammable limit of 1.8% v/v (18,000 ppm). These hazards will be described in greater detail later on in this Applicator’s Manual. PHOSTOXIN® also contains ammonium carbamate which liberates ammonia and carbon dioxide as follows: NH2C00NH4 —> 2NH3 + CO2 These gases are essentially non-flammable and act as inerting agents to reduce fire hazards. PHOSTOXIN® is prepared in two spherical shapes. The rounded tablets weigh approximately 3 grams and will release 1 gram of phosphine gas. They are about 16mm in diameter. The pellets are about 10 mm in diameter, weigh approximately 0.6 gram and release 0.2 gram of phosphine gas.