White phosphorus: Is highly irritating and corrosive

White phosphorus is highly irritating and corrosive. Breathing white phosphorus will cause irritation to the nose and throat, cough, and shortness of breath. The paper discusses the use of white phosphorus (WP) munitions in recent conflict zones such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Nagorno-Karabakh, highlighting the significant legal, ethical, and humanitarian issues it raises. It argues for critically reassessing white phosphorus use in warfare to ensure it aligns with humanitarian values and public ethics. The ATSDR toxicological profile succinctly characterizes the toxicology and adverse health effects information for the toxic substance described therein. Each peer-reviewed profile identifies and reviews the key literature that describes a substance's toxicological properties. Profiles are updated on a periodic basis and released for a public comment period. For more information visit ATSDR. The smoke acts as a visual obscurant. White phosphorus is also known to mess with infrared optics and weapons tracking systems. White phosphorus can also be used as an incendiary weapon. US forces used white phosphorus munitions during the second battle of Fallujah in Iraq in 2004, to force concealed combatants to abandon their positions ...