White Phosphorus - Essay Example

? White Phosphorus White Phosphorus Describe the project, industry, business, or government activity that would possibly generate potential risks The use of white phosphorous in weapons is one of the government activities that generate potential risks to the users as well as the wider community. The U.S. military as well as other foreign militaries have been known to widely use WP in mortar shells, artillery shells, and grenades for marking targets, providing smokescreens for movement of troops, as incendiary, and ‘tracing the path of bullets (Kos, 2005). Mostly, these items have been classified as both incendiary ammunitions and smoke ammunitions. As it burns, white phosphorous emits smoke that aids in screening the movement of troops. Such smoke can also be used for marking targets for aircraft as well as signals. The particles of white phosphorous can burn items that are combustible whenever it comes into contact with them. This continues until their reaction with oxygen is complete- sometimes lasting up to 15 minutes mostly depending on the kind of ammunition. “The Fight for Fallujah” describes how military units of the United States military fired at insurgents using white phosphorous to flush them out as well high explosives (HE) to take them out (Kos, 2005). According to the United States Safety Council, white phosphorous is a poisonous substance whose combustion in a confined area leads to the removal of oxygen from air and thus rendering it unfit for supporting life (Kos, 2005). If this occurs, it is regarded as a dangerous disaster or hazard because the fumes emitted are highly toxic. There are many risks posed to people in the event that white phosphorous is used in war; it burns deep into body tissue, can be inhaled in form of smoke, and can also be ingested. As such, it can cause injuries and/or death. The initial explosion of a white phosphorous weapon generates incandescent particles that can cause burns of third degree (EPA, 2000). The skin-sticking properties of the element support the intensity of such burns whose mortality risks are significantly greater compared to burns of other forms. When burned, white phosphorous generates hot and thick smoke containing phosphorous pentoxide. The exposure to this smoke can lead to illness or death, as various body organs are damaged in the process. Similar risks also result if white phosphorous is orally digested. Identify the specific chemical, adverse situation or activity that your risk management plan will focus on managing The specific chemical that my risk management plan will focus on managing is white phosphorous. This plan will focus on various aspects of this chemical including appearance description, the ways of dissemination, the exposure routes, protective equipment and approaches, among other factors. The risk management plan is intended as a framework for mitigating the various risks that the dissemination of white phosphorous poses to both human beings and the environment (CDC, 2013). White phosphorous appears as a yellow or white waxy, transparent crystalline solid. It turns dark when exposed to light. Industrially, it is a useful substance used in the manufacture of chemicals used in cleaning compounds, food additives, and fertilizers. The fact that this chemical is also known to be a highly toxic and dangerous substance means that a knowledge of the various methods through which it is disseminated is an important part of a risk management plan. With such knowledge, potential users can take the appropriate measures in their handling of this chemical and this would minimize the risks associated with mishandling. The community is also better placed to avoid harmful contact with the chemical. The first method of dissemination is indoor air. WP can be released as smoke into indoor air. It can also be used as a water contaminant. Agricultural products may also be contaminated by white phosphorous. The chemical’s exposure routes or its absorption into body systems can be through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. It is still unclear whether systemic exposure may result from eye contact. Being well conversant with these exposure routes is also important for minimizing the risks posed by white phosphorous. Also important as part of the risk management plan is protective equipment. One of the ways through which first responders can minimize the risk of being adversely exposed to the chemical is by using NIOSH-certified chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) together with a special protective suit while accessing an area whose contaminant concentration is unknown (CDC, 2013). This would significantly reduce the risk of injuries from exposure to the chemical. The risk management plan would also entail the signs and symptoms of contamination or exposure to the chemical, decontamination methods, and a first aid response framework. Identify/define the environmental health and ecosystem problems associated with it. White phosphorous is released into the environment as industries use it in manufacturing other chemicals, when military apply it as ammunition, and so on. As wastewater is discharged, white phosphorous enters into surface wasters adjacent the factories using it. Though, the reaction of white phosphorous with oxygen is fairly quick, this is not usually the case with water. As a result, aquatic organisms are threatened as the chemical accumulates in their bodies (EPA, 2000). Field studies in Eagle River Flats have established contamination resulting from the detonation smoke-producing ammunition and projectiles with white phosphorous (Walsh, Collins and Racine, 2004). Residues of white phosphorous have also been discovered in this river and other army training areas. Ammunitions containing white phosphorous are also commonly used in areas of military training. The unburnt parts of the chemical contaminate local ponds and soil. Traditional methods of risk assessment presuppose that pollutants are spatially distributed, with a considerable level of environmental hazards. White phosphorous, in a study of various lands in Norway, was detected in a number of craters. The concentration ranged no more than 5.7 g/kg (Voie, Johnsen, Stromseng & Longva, 2001). Under the present land use, the study deduced that the risk posed to human health was acceptable. It was, however, also noted that the risk posed to grazing animals was significant and therefore calling for precautionary measures. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). The Emergency Response Safety and Health Database. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/EmergencyResponseCard_29750025.html#top Kos, D. (2005). U.S Army Admits Use of White Phosphorus as Weapon in Iraq. Retrieved from http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-army-admits-use-of-white-phosphorus-as-weapon-in- Iraq United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2000). Phosphorus: Hazard Summary. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/whitepho.html Voie, A., Johnsen, A., Stromseng, A., & Longva, K.S. (2010). Environmental risk assessment of white phosphorus from the use of munitions - a probabilistic approach. Science of the Total Environment, 408 (8), 1833-1841. Walsh, M.E., Collins, C.M., & Racine, C. (2004). Persistence of White Phosphorus Particles in Sediment. Darby, PA: DIANE Publishing. Read More