Exposure to white phosphorus results in chemical burns. Inhalation of white phosphorus causes a chemical pneumonitis that can be fatal.
White phosphorus is metabolized to water-soluble phosphorus pentoxide and phosphoric acid.
Exposures:
(1) industrial
(2) military
Clinical presentation:
(1) fever
(2) cough
(3) dyspnea on exertion
(4) wheezing on expiration
(5) hypoxemia
(6) leukocytosis
In severe cases the patient may develop systemic symptoms and respiratory failure.
Imaging studies show bilateral ground-glass opacities.
Bronchoscopy may show erythema of the tracheobronchial mucosa.
Healing may be associated with interstitial fibrosis.
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine
