MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET: MAGNESIUM PHOSPHIDE-
MAGTOXIN庐 SPOT FUMIGANT, MAGTOXIN庐 GRANULES, FUMI-CEL庐, FUMI-STRIP庐
U.S. EPA Reg. #72959-7 U.S. EPA Reg. #72959-11 U.S. EPA Reg. #72959-6
Canada Reg. #26524 Canada Reg. #26523 Canada Reg. #26188
PROPER DOT SHIPPING NAME: MAGNESIUM PHOSPHIDE, CL 4.3 UN2011 PG I DANGEROUS WHEN WET, POISON
LABELS APPLY
SECTION I - PRODUCT INFORMATION
Manufacturer:
DEGESCH America, Inc. Telephone: (540) 234-9281/1-800-330-2525
153 Triangle Dr. Telefax: (540) 234-8225
P. O. Box 116 Internet address: www.degeschamerica.com
Weyers Cave, VA 24486 USA E-Mail: degesch@degeschamerica.com
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NOS.:
For Human or Animal Medical Emergencies: 1-800-308-4856
All Other Chemical Emergencies: 1-800-424-9300
Emergency and Information - DEGESCH America, Inc. (540) 234-9281/(800) 330-2525
Packaging: Magtoxin is available in porous blister packs called the Magtoxin Prepac Spot Fumigant and in a granular form as Magtoxin
Granules. Fumi-Cel is produced by impregnating magnesium phosphide into polyethylene in the form of a 117g plate, each plate liberating 33g of
phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3). The Fumi-Strip is formed by attaching together, end-to-end, 20 of the Fumi-Cel plates. All metal
phosphide products are packed in gas-tight containers.
Date of Revision: April 2007
SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS INFORMATION
Identity:
Magtoxin Spot Fumigant, Magtoxin Granules, Fumi-Cel, Fumi-Strip, Magnesium Phosphide, Mg3P2 - Reacts with water to produce
phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3 ) as shown in Equation 1. Magtoxin Spot Fumigant is formulated with 66% magnesium phosphide and also
contains ammonium carbamate and inert ingredients. Ammonium carbamate decomposes to liberate ammonia and carbon dioxide as shown in
Equation 2. Magtoxin Granules contains 94.5% magnesium phosphide and a small amount of inert ingredients. The Magtoxin Granules, Fumi-
Cel and Fumi-Strip formulations do not contain ammonium carbamate.
1) Mg3P2 + 6H2O 鈥?-> 3Mg(OH)2 + 2PH3 2) NH2COONH4 鈥?-> 2NH3 + CO2
Mg3P2 CAS No. 12057-74-8 NH2COONH4 CAS No. 1111-78-0
PH3 CAS No. 7803-51-2 NH3 CAS No. 7664-41-7
Mg(OH)2 CAS No. 1309-42-8 CO2 CAS No. 124-38-9
NFPA Chemical Hazard Ratings: SARA Physical and Health Hazards:
Flammability Hazard 4 Fire
Health Hazard 4 Reactivity
Reactivity Hazard 2 Immediate (Acute)
Special Hazard W
Inhalation Exposure Limits:
OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV NIOSH
Component TWA TWA STEL IDLH
(ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm)
Phosphine
(Hydrogen Phosphide) 0.3 0.3 1.0 50
Ammonia 50 25 35 300
Carbon Dioxide 5,000 5,000 30,000 40,000
SECTION III - PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Boiling Point: Specific Gravity of Vapors (Air = 1):
>1000oC
Mg3P2 Mg3P2 N/A
-87.7oC
PH3 PH3 1.17
Vapor Pressure: Solubility in Water:
Mg3P2 0mm Hg Mg3P2 Insoluble, reacts
40mm Hg @-129.4oC 26cc in 100 ml water at 17oC
PH3 PH3
Form #19355 (R4/07) (P4/07)
Appearance and Odor:
Magtoxin and magnesium phosphide are a dark charcoal gray. The paper covering the polyethylene matrix of the Fumi-Cel and Fumi-Strip
is yellow-orange in color. The phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) gas produced by these products has an odor described as similar to garlic,
carbide or decaying fish.
Specific Gravity:
Mg3P2 2.06
Melting Point:
Mg3P2 >1000oC
-133.5oC
PH3
SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
Flash Point:
Magnesium phosphide and Magtoxin are not themselves flammable. However, they react readily with water to produce phosphine
(hydrogen phosphide, PH3) gas which may ignite spontaneously in air at concentrations above its LEL of 1.8% v/v. UEL of phosphine (hydrogen
phosphide, PH3) is not known. The paper covering and polyethylene matrix of the Fumi-Cel and Fumi-Strip are flammable as is the fleece
material of the Magtoxin庐 Prepac Spot Fumigant.
Extinguishing Media:
Suffocate flames with sand, carbon dioxide or dry extinguishing chemicals.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures:
Do not use water on metal phosphide fires.
Respiratory Protection:
Wear NIOSH/MSHA approved SCBA or equivalent respiratory protection.
Protective Clothing:
It is not necessary to wear gloves when handling Magtoxin Prepac Spot Fumigant, Fumi-Cel or Fumi-Strip. However, wear dry gloves of
cotton of other material to prevent contact with Magtoxin or its dust.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:
Phosphine (hydrogen phosphide)-air mixtures at concentrations above the lower flammable limit (lower explosion limit) of 1.8% v/v, PH3
may ignite spontaneously. Ignition of high concentrations of phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) can produce a very energetic reaction.
Explosions can occur under these conditions and may cause severe personal injury. Never allow the buildup of phosphine (hydrogen phosphide,
PH3) to exceed explosive concentrations. Open containers of metal phosphides in open air only and never in a flammable atmosphere. Do not
confine spent or partially spent dust from metal phosphide fumigants as the slow release of phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) from these
materials may result in the formation of an explosive atmosphere. Spontaneous ignition may occur if large quantities of magnesium phosphide or
aluminum phosphide are piled in contact with liquid water. This is particularly true if quantities of these materials are placed in an environment
which can provide partial confinement of the hydrogen phosphide gas liberated by hydrolysis.
Fires containing phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) or metal phosphides will produce phosphoric acid by the following reaction:
2PH3 + 4O2 鈥?-> 3H2O + P2O5 鈥?-> 2H3PO4
SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA
Stability:
Magnesium phosphide is stable to most chemical reactions, except for hydrolysis. Magtoxin, Fumi-Cel and Fumi-Strip will react with moist
air, liquid water, acids and some other liquids to produce toxic and flammable phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) gas. Magnesium phosphide is
more reactive than aluminum phosphide and will liberate phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) more rapidly and more completely at lower
temperatures and humidities.
Incompatibility:
Avoid contact with water and oxidizing agents.
Corrosion:
Phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) gas may react with certain metals and cause corrosion, especially at higher temperatures and relative
humidities. Metals such as copper, brass and other copper alloys, and precious metals such as gold and silver are susceptible to corrosion by
phosphine. Small electric motors, smoke detectors, brass sprinkler heads, batteries and battery chargers, fork lifts, temperature monitoring
systems, switching gears, communication devices, computers, calculators and other electrical equipment may be damaged by this gas. Phosphine
(hydrogen phosphide, PH3) will also react with certain metallic salts and, therefore, sensitive items such as photographic film, some inorganic
pigments, etc., should not be exposed.
Hazardous Polymerization:
Will not occur.
SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Routes of Entry:
The dermal toxicity of magnesium phosphide is very low. The LD50 via the dermal route is estimated to be greater than 5,000 mg per
kilogram for a 1-hour exposure. Primary routes of exposure are inhalation and ingestion.
Acute and Chronic Health Hazards:
Magnesium phosphide is a highly acute toxic substance. The LC50 of phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) gas is about 180 ppm for a
one-hour inhalation exposure. The acute oral toxicity of the Magtoxin formulation was found to be 9.1 mg/kg of body weight. The acute oral
toxicity of Magtoxin Granules is estimated to be 6.4 mg/kg. Magnesium phosphide and phosphine do not cause chronic poisoning.
Carcinogenicity:
Magnesium phosphide and phosphine are not known to be carcinogenic and are not listed as such by NTP, IARC or OSHA.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:
Magnesium phosphide fumigant products react with moisture from the air, acids and many other liquids to release phosphine (hydrogen
phosphide, PH3) gas. Mild exposure by inhalation causes malaise (indefinite feeling of sickness), headache, ringing in the ears, fatigue, nausea
and pressure in the chest which is relieved by removal to fresh air. Moderate poisoning causes weakness, vomiting, pain just about the stomach,
chest pain, diarrhea and dyspnea (difficulty in breathing). Symptoms of severe poisoning may occur within a few hours to several days resulting in
pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs) and may lead to dizziness, cyanosis (blue or purple skin color), unconsciousness, and death.
Emergency and First Aid Procedures:
In all cases of overexposure get medical attention immediately. Take victim to a doctor or emergency treatment facility.
If the gas or dust from magnesium phosphide is inhaled:
Get exposed person to fresh air. Keep warm and make sure person can breathe freely. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration by
mouth-to-mouth or other means of resuscitation. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
If magnesium phosphide pellets or powder are swallowed:
Drink or administer one or two glasses of water and induce vomiting by touching back of throat with finger, or if available, syrup of ipecac. Do
not give anything by mouth if victim is unconscious or not alert.
If powder or granules of magnesium phosphide get on skin or clothing:
Brush or shake material off clothes in a well ventilated area. Allow clothes to aerate in a ventilated area prior to laundering. Do not leave
contaminated clothing in occupied and/or confined areas such as automobiles, vans, motel rooms, etc. Wash contaminated skin thoroughly with
soap and water.
If dust from pellets or tablets gets in eyes:
Flush with plenty of water. Get medical attention.
HOTLINE NUMBER: Have the product container label or applicator鈥檚 manual with you when calling a poison control center, doctor, or when
going for treatment. CONTACT 1-800-308-4856 FOR ASSISTANCE WITH HUMAN OR ANIMAL MEDICAL EMERGENCIES. You
may also contact Degesch America, Inc.鈥?540-234-9281/1-800-330-2525 or CHEMTREC鈥?1-800-424-9300 for all other chemical emergencies.
SECTION VII 鈥? SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
Spill Cleanup Procedures:
If possible, dispose of spilled Magtoxin, Fumi-Cel or Fumi-Strip by use according to label instructions. Freshly spilled material which has
not been contaminated by water or foreign matter may be replaced into original or other gas-tight containers. Punctured flasks, pouches or
containers may be temporarily repaired using aluminum tape. If the age of the spill is unknown or if the product has been contaminated with soil,
debris, water, etc., gather up the spillage in small open buckets having a capacity no larger than about 1 gallon. Do not add more than about 0.5kg
(l lb.) to a bucket. If on-site wet deactivation is not feasible, transport the uncovered buckets in open vehicles to a suitable area.
Respiratory protection will most likely be required during cleanup of spilled magnesium phosphide fumigants. If the concentration of
phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) is unknown, NIOSH/MSHA approved SCBA or its equivalent must be worn. Full-face gas mask canister
combinations may only be worn at concentrations no higher than 15 ppm.
Small amounts of spillage, from about 2 to 4 kg (4 to 9 lbs.) may be spread out over the ground in an open area to be deactivated by
atmospheric moisture. Alternatively, spilled magnesium phosphide fumigants may be deactivated by the wet method as described in the following.
Wet Deactivation of Spilled Magnesium Phosphide Products:
1. Spilled magnesium phosphide fumigants, Magtoxin, Fumi-Cel and Fumi-Strip, may be deactivated with water. Do not use detergent for the
deactivation of these products. Fill the container in which the deactivation is to be performed with water to within a few inches of the top.
2. The spilled material is added slowly to the water. Magtoxin Prepacs and Granules, Fumi-Cel or Fumi-Strips may ignite during wet
deactivation if they are allowed to float to the surface. Add weights or otherwise ensure that the materials stay submerged until deactivation
is complete. At no time should the deactivation container be covered.
3. Due to the reactivity of magnesium phosphide, additions of spilled product to the water should be made slowly and carefully. This should be
done in open air and respiratory protection will probably be required.
4. Allow the mixture to stand, with occasional stirring, for about six hours. Do not cover the container. The mixture will then be safe for
disposal.
5. Dispose of the deactivated material, with or without preliminary decanting, at a sanitary landfill or other suitable site approved by local
authorities. Where permissible, the deactivation water containing spent dust may be poured into a storm sewer or out onto the ground.
For Assistance:
Contact - DEGESCH America, Inc.
Telephone: (540) 234-9281/1-800-330-2525
Fax: (540) 234-8225
Internet address: www.degeschamerica.com
E-Mail: degesch@degeschamerica.com
or
FOR HUMAN OR ANIMAL MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: 1-800-308-4856
ALL OTHER CHEMICAL EMERGENCIES: 1-800-424-9300
Disposal of Spent Magtoxin Prepacs and Granules, Fumi-Cel and Fumi-Strip:
When being disposed of, spilled or partially reacted magnesium phosphide fumigants are considered hazardous wastes under existing
Federal Regulations. If properly exposed, the grayish-white residual dust from Magtoxin and spent Fumi-Cel or Fumi-Strip will not be a
hazardous waste and normally contain only a very small amount of unreacted magnesium phosphide. This waste will be safe for disposal.
Properly exposed material is not a hazardous waste. However, the residuals from incompletely exposed magnesium phosphide fumigants may
require special care.
Since pails and pouches used to package these products are not contacted by metal phosphides, they are not required to be triple rinsed or dry
deactivated. Flasks which contained Magtoxin Granules must be triple rinsed or dry deactivated. Empty pails and flasks may be offered for
recycling or reconditioning, or punctured and disposed of in a sanitary landfill, or by other procedures approved by state and local authorities.
Some local and state waste disposal regulations may vary from the following recommendations. Disposal procedures should be reviewed
with appropriate authorities to ensure compliance with local regulations. Contact your State Pesticide or Environmental Control Agency or
Hazardous Waste Specialist at the nearest EPA Regional Office for guidance.
1. Confinement of partially spent fumigant or residual dust, as in a closed container, or collection and storage of large quantities of fumigant
may result in a fire or explosion hazard. Small amounts of phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) may be given off from unreacted
magnesium phosphide, and confinement of the gas may result in a flash.
2. In open areas, small amounts of spent residual dust may be disposed of on site by burial or by spreading over the land surface away from
inhabited buildings.
3. Residuals from magnesium phosphide fumigants may also be collected and disposed of at a sanitary landfill, incinerator or other approved
sites or by other procedures approved by Federal, State or Local authorities.
From 1 to 2 kg (2 to 4 lbs.) of spent fumigant may be collected for disposal in an open 1-gallon bucket. Caution: Do not collect dust in
4.
large drum, dumpsters, plastic bags or other containers where confinement may occur. Transport the uncovered buckets in an open vehicle
for disposal or deactivation.
Deactivation of Partially Spent Magtoxin, Fumi-Cel and Fumi-Strip:
Magtoxin Prepacs, Magtoxin Granules, Fumi-Cels or Fumi-Strips which are only partially spent may be rendered inactive by either a 鈥渄ry鈥?
or 鈥渨et鈥? deactivation method. The 鈥渄ry鈥? method entails holding the Prepacs, Cels or Strips out of doors in locked, 30-gallon wire baskets which
are available from DEGESCH America, Inc., or your supplier. The Granules may be deactivated by spreading them out on a flat surface which is
then placed inside a specially designed drum for dry deactivation. Protect the partially spent magnesium phosphide fumigants from rain. The
deactivated products may then be taken to an approved site for burial at periodic intervals or whenever the wire container is full. Caution:
Storage of partially spent magnesium phosphide in closed containers may result in a fire hazard.
Alternatively, partially spent Magtoxin Prepacs and Granules, Fumi-Cels and Fumi-Strips may be treated by the 鈥渨et鈥? deactivation method
as follows:
1. Fill the container in which the deactivation is to be performed with water to within a few inches of the top. Detergent is not necessary for the
deactivation of spent magnesium phosphide fumigants.
2. The spent material is added slowly to the water. Magtoxin Prepacs or Granules, Fumi-Cels or Fumi-Strips may ignite during wet
deactivation if they are allowed to float to the surface. Add weights or otherwise ensure that they stay submerged until deactivation is
complete.
3. Partially spent Magtoxin Prepacs, Fumi-Cels or Fumi-Strips may react quite vigorously during wet deactivation if they were exposed under
cold and/or dry conditions or if the fumigation period was shortened. It is suggested that a small portion of the product be tested prior to
immersing large amounts of material in water if it is suspected that the product contains considerable unreacted magnesium phosphide.
4. Due to the reactivity of magnesium phosphide, additions to the water should be made slowly and carefully. Deactivation should be carried
out in open air and respiratory protection may be required.
5. Allow the mixture to stand for about six hours. Do not cover the container.
6. Dispose of the deactivated material, with or without preliminary decanting, at a sanitary landfill or other suitable site approved by local
authorities. Where permissible, deactivation water containing spent dust may be poured into a storm sewer or out onto the ground.
Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage:
Store Magtoxin, Fumi-Cel and Fumi-Strip products in a locked, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat. Post as a pesticide storage area.
Do not store in buildings inhabited by humans or domestic animals.
Other Precautions:
1. Do not allow water or other liquids to contact magnesium phosphide fumigants, except when these materials are
being deactivated.
2. Do not pile up large quantities of magnesium phosphide products during fumigation or disposal.
3. Once exposed, do not confine the fumigant or otherwise allow phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) concentration to exceed the LEL.
4. Open containers of Magtoxin, Fumi-Cel or Fumi-Strip only in open air. Do not open in a flammable atmosphere. Phosphine (hydrogen
phosphide, PH3) in the head space of containers may flash upon exposure to atmospheric oxygen.
5. See EPA approved labeling for additional precautions and directions for use.
6. Magtoxin Prepacs and Granules, Fumi-Cel and Fumi-Strip are restricted use pesticides due to acute inhalation toxicity of highly toxic
phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) gas. For retail sale to and use only by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision
and only for those uses covered by the certified Applicator鈥檚 Certification.
SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES
Respiratory Protection:
NIOSH/MSHA approved full-face mask with approved canister for phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) may be worn at concentrations up
to 15 ppm. At levels above this or when the phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) concentration is unknown, NIOSH/MSHA approved SCBA or
equivalent must be worn.
Protective Clothing:
Wear gloves when contact with magnesium phosphide is likely to occur.
Eye Protection:
None required.
Ventilation:
Local ventilation is generally adequate to reduce phosphine (hydrogen phosphide, PH3) levels in fumigated areas to below the TLV/TWA.
Exhaust fans may be used to speed the aeration of silos, warehouses, shipholds, containers, etc.
We believe the statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are reliable, but they are given without warranty
or guarantee of any kind, expressed or implied, and we assume no responsibility for any loss, damage, or expense, direct or consequential,
arising out of their use.
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