White phosphorus

21 Oct 2023 White phosphorus

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ White phosphorus”. This topic has relevance in the Science and technology section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

About White Phosphorus?

For Mains:

GS 3: Science and technology

Historical Use in Warfare?

Why in the news?

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, prominent global human rights organizations, have leveled allegations against the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for the alleged utilization of white phosphorus munitions in the regions of Gaza and Lebanon.

About White Phosphorus

White phosphorus is an extremely reactive and waxy solid characterized by its translucent appearance and a distinctive, pungent odor reminiscent of garlic. It is an element denoted by the chemical symbol ‘P’ and holds the atomic number 15.

Chemical Properties:

• Allotropes: White phosphorus exists in different allotropes and is the most reactive and least stable among all the elemental forms of phosphorus.
• Solubility: It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.
• Pyrophoric Nature: White phosphorus readily catches fire when exposed to air.

Industrial Applications:

• White phosphorus is used in various industrial applications, such as in the manufacturing of phosphoric acid, phosphorus trichloride, and other organic phosphorus compounds.

Military Applications:

• In military contexts, white phosphorus has been used in various ways, including in incendiary weapons, smoke screens, and tracer ammunition, primarily due to its pyrophoric properties.

Risks and Hazards:

Exposure to white phosphorus can lead to severe health hazards, which can be summarized as follows:

• Skin Injuries: Contact with white phosphorus can result in burns, necrosis, and other serious skin injuries.
• Systemic Toxicity: Ingesting or inhaling white phosphorus can cause systemic toxicity.
• Respiratory Damage: The combustion of white phosphorus produces phosphorus pentoxide, which, when inhaled, can damage the respiratory system.

Regulations and Control:

• White phosphorus is subject to strict regulations due to its potential misuse as a weapon and associated health risks.
• International humanitarian law governs its use in warfare to prevent unnecessary harm to civilians and the environment.
• The United Nations in 1972 labeled incendiary weapons, including white phosphorus, as causing horrific and indiscriminate harm, leading to resolutions condemning their use.
• The 1980 international agreement established Protocol III, which restricts the use of incendiary weapons that cause excessive harm to civilians and their property.

Environmental Impact:

• The use of white phosphorus in warfare and industry can lead to environmental contamination and long-term ecological damage, impacting soil and water quality.
• Mitigation efforts focus on proper disposal, containment, and the development of alternative technologies to reduce its environmental impact.

Alternative Technologies and Substitutes:

• Ongoing research and development efforts are centered on finding safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to white phosphorus in various applications.
• Exploration of alternative materials and technologies is underway to replace white phosphorus in military and industrial contexts, with a specific emphasis on enhancing safety and sustainability.

Historical Use in Warfare:

• White phosphorus has a :historical usage in warfare, with instances dating back to the 1800s when it was utilized by Irish nationalists against British forces, referred to as “Fenian fire.” During both World Wars, the British army employed white phosphorus as a weapon.
• The United States used white phosphorus during the Iraq War, notably in the city of Fallujah.
• Allegations of the use of white phosphorus by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in conflicts like the 2006 Lebanon War and the 2008-09 Gaza War have sparked international attention and condemnation.
• The Syrian government, led by Bashar Al-Assad, faced accusations of deploying white phosphorus during the Syrian crisis.
• More recently, the Russian Army was accused of using white phosphorus in the conflict with Ukraine.

Source:https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-reports-of-concern-the-use-of-white-phosphorus-in-conflict-zones-3267531/

Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 21th Oct 2023

Q.1 Consider the following statements about White Phosphorous:

1. White phosphorus is highly reactive and characterized by a pungent garlic-like odour.
2. White phosphorus is soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: A

Q.2 Consider the following statements about White Phosphorous:

1. In military applications, white phosphorus is used primarily due to its non-pyrophoric properties.
2. Exposure to white phosphorus can lead to skin injuries but poses no risks of systemic toxicity or respiratory damage.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: D

Q.3 Explore the ethical and humanitarian concerns raised by the use of white phosphorus in modern conflicts, taking into consideration case studies from recent events.

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