White phosphorus incendiaries

Of the shells found in the pits that still had contents, some were smoke, some were high explosive, some were white phosphorus (incendiary), and some contained common chemical warfare agents like mustard. The pits generally stopped at about 12 ft in depth but they had to be excavated to 17 ft to remove the residual arsenic. The Corps apparently tested the soil in the pits for other substances but did not tell us the results. 

Similarly, a 10- or 20-ft length of rigid plastic pipe can be used to excavate an ordnance item with a stream of water operated from behind sand bags. Another larger hose can pump out the mud and water from the hole. This is particularly useful for white phosphorus incendiary shells. Buried and presumably set anti-personnel land mines can also be excavated this way. This is a much safer way than with a bayonet, as was once the preferred technique. In arid areas, air pressure can be substituted for water. The pressure of air or water can be lowered as the excavation gets closer to the item. 

Several allotropic forms of phosphorus are known, the most common of which are the white, red, and black forms. Heating the white form at 400 °C for several hours produces red phosphorus, which is known to include several forms. A red form that is amorphous can be prepared by subjecting white phosphorus to ultraviolet radiation. In the thermal process, several substances (I2, S8, and Na) are known to catalyze the conversion of phosphorus to other forms. Black phosphorus consists of four identifiable forms that result when white phosphorus is subjected to heat and pressure. Phosphorus is used in large quantities in the production of phosphoric acid and other chemicals. White phosphorus has been used extensively in making incendiary devices, and red phosphorus is used in making matches. 

Phosphorus is available in two forms, white (or yellow) and red. White phosphorus appears to be molecular, with a formula of P,. It is a waxy solid with a melting point of 44°C, and ignites spontaneously on exposure to air. It must be kept cool and is usually stored under water. It is highly toxic in both the solid and vapor form and causes burns on contact with the skin. Its use in pyrotechnics is limited to incendiary and white smoke compositions. The white smoke consists of the combustion product, primarily phosphoric acid (H 3PO,). 

Certain chemical reactions can be used for prime ignition. For example, white phosphorus (which "self-ignites " when exposed to air) has been used in bursters for jelled gasoline incendiaries. Diethyl zinc or triethyl aluminum, contained in glass vial, has been used to ignite a match mix in a silent igniter. 

Type 3 No 6 Mk 27 Rocket Bomb Model 1 was fin-stabilized, aircraft-launched, designed for use against formations of large enemy planes. It was cylindrical in shape with conical nose section which contd a Fuze, a Burster Charge and an Incendiary Shrapnel, consisting of WP (White Phosphorus) filled steel pellets. 

White Phosphorus (WP) (Hakurin). It was used as an Incendiary and in Incendiary Mixtures in Bombs, Grenades and Projectiles, described here under Incendiaries and in Refs 2 3, WP was also used in Smoke Compositions as described here under Smoke Producing Materials, items d, e, h and in Refs 2 3... 

Ammunition, incendiary, white phosphorus, with burster, expelling charge or propelling charge 0243... 

PWP, Plasticized White Phosphorus. A finely divided WP suspended in gel of rubber and xylene. It is a smoke producing agent vrith side incendiary effects. Its action is similar to WP except that it is slower burning(Ref 36,p 29-41 Ref 54a,p 68). Both PWP and WP are Class C chemical agents Q. A chemical agent of specialized application (Ref 54a,p 68)(Its formula is secret)... 

Belyi Fosfor (White Phosphorus, WP). Was used in pyrotechnic and incendiary comp ns... 

Serum phosphate was reported in three human cases of dermal white phosphorus bum following explosion of incendiary munitions. Serum phosphate ranged between 1.34 and 8.7 mg/100 mL. The normal range of adult human serum phosphate is 3.0-4.5 mg/100 mL (Harper 1969). No patterns with respect to bum intensity or time after exposure were evident. 

White Phosphorus. White phosphorus does not naturally occur in the environment. It has been manufactured in the past for use in such products as matches, fireworks, pest poisons, and incendiary munitions. It is primarily in the manufacture and use of these products where human exposure has occurred. White phosphorus is also commonly called yellow phosphorus. 

White phoHpboruB White phosphorus (PiL yellow phosphorus WP Screening agent and incendiary agent DexiendB upon siss of burning particle usually 10 min. or less in open Same as summer... 

Although primarily a smoke producer, white phosphorus w as about t ry an incendiary agent as any material used in the war, although it lack[Pg.192]

There are several allotropic forms of phosphorus, but only white phosphorus and red phosphorus (see Figure 8.18) are of importance. White phosphorus consists of discrete tetrahedral P4 molecules (Figure 21.9). A solid (m.p. 44.2°C), white phosphorus is insoluble in water but quite soluble in carbon disulfide (CS2) and in organic solvents such as chloroform (CHCI3). White phosphorus is a highly toxic substance. It bursts into flames spontaneously when exposed to air hence it is used in incendiary bombs and grenades ... 

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