What is the relative toxicity level of phosphine?

What is the relative toxicity level of phosphine?

• A. Low
• B. Moderate
• C. High
• D. Very High

Answer: (C)

Phosphine is classified as a highly toxic gas that poses serious health risks upon exposure. It acts as a potent poison, interfering with cellular respiration and can lead to severe physiological effects, including respiratory failure. Due to its toxicity, phosphine is utilized in pest control and fumigation practices, particularly for stored grain and other agricultural products, but it must be handled with great care to prevent harm to humans and the environment. In comparison, other gases and substances are categorized differently based on their toxicity levels. Low toxicity substances typically do not have significant harmful effects at standard exposure levels, while moderate toxicity would indicate the need for some precautions during handling but usually does not lead to severe health implications. On the other hand, very high toxicity substances are often fatal even at minute concentrations and require stringent safety measures. Therefore, phosphine is more accurately described as having a high toxicity level, making it essential to understand the risks involved when using it in fumigation and pest control.

Phosphine is classified as a highly toxic gas that poses serious health risks upon exposure. It acts as a potent poison, interfering with cellular respiration and can lead to severe physiological effects, including respiratory failure. Due to its toxicity, phosphine is utilized in pest control and fumigation practices, particularly for stored grain and other agricultural products, but it must be handled with great care to prevent harm to humans and the environment.

In comparison, other gases and substances are categorized differently based on their toxicity levels. Low toxicity substances typically do not have significant harmful effects at standard exposure levels, while moderate toxicity would indicate the need for some precautions during handling but usually does not lead to severe health implications. On the other hand, very high toxicity substances are often fatal even at minute concentrations and require stringent safety measures. Therefore, phosphine is more accurately described as having a high toxicity level, making it essential to understand the risks involved when using it in fumigation and pest control.