The Hazards of Phosphorus Ingestion
Phosphorus is an extremely dangerous element used to create many chemical substances that have widespread use. In particular, white phosphorus may ignite once it makes contact with the air. This can create a large amount of smoke and some intense flames. If a worker handling phosphorus somehow ingests phosphorus in an accident, they may suffer some extreme health concerns as the dangerous chemical runs through their body.
If you have been exposed to phosphorus in dangerous amounts, there may be serious health consequences. For more information regarding your options as a worker, contact the Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., by calling 215-238-1130.
Phosphorus Ingestion and Smoking Stool Syndrome
Workers handling industrial and manufacturing materials may be exposed to phosphorus on a regular basis. This chemical is commonly used in the creation of military smokescreens, some poisons, and fertilizers. If the chemical is ingested, the phosphorus can travel through the digestive system. This may cause some unusual and damaging symptoms, including the following:
- Stool that smokes
- Burns along the skin
- Abdominal pain
- Heart damage
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- The smell of garlic on a person’s breath
This condition is extremely serious, as it illustrates a dangerous exposure to phosphorus. The human body can only handle so much of this chemical, and a sufferer of smoking stool syndrome is dangerously close to that limit.
Contact Us
If you have been injured because of excessive exposure to phosphorus while at work, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries. To learn more about your workers’ compensation options, contact the Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 215-238-1130.