White phosphorus is a chemical agent that burns fiercely at over 800°C (1,500°F) upon contact with air.

Key Characteristics

Purpose: Creates dense smoke screens to mask troop movements.

Odor: Smells like sharp, pungent garlic due to chemical vapor impurities and phosphine gas.

Injuries: Causes deep, fat-penetrating burns to the bone and severe internal organ toxicity.

Suffocation: Inhaling the thick smoke causes immediate, acute respiratory failure.

Law and Medical Treatment

Legality: Prohibited in civilian areas under Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.

Treatment: Requires immediate exclusion of oxygen to stop the burning, often using materials like water or wet mud.

Removal: Wounds require specialized medical intervention to ensure all chemical particles are extracted to prevent re-ignition.