(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Aluminium Phosphide

(FEBRUARY-2026)

Aluminium Phosphide

Recently, doctors at the PGIMER achieved a global breakthrough in treating aluminium phosphide (Celphos) poisoning with intravenous lipid emulsion therapy.

About Aluminium Phosphide

Aluminium phosphideis commonly known as Celphos.

Characteristics of Aluminium Phosphide

It is a yellow or dark grey crystalline solid that has a garlic-like odour.
It is a cheap, effective and commonly used pesticide.
It liberates lethal phosphine gas when it comes in contact either with atmospheric moisture or with hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
Phosphine gas, which is highly flammable, and very toxic in nature
The mechanism of toxicity includes cellular hypoxia due to the effect on mitochondria, inhibition of cytochrome C oxidase and formation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals.

Uses of Aluminium Phosphide:

Aluminum Phosphide (ALP) is a highly toxic fumigant which is used commonly as an indoor pesticide in agriculture based industry for storage of grains.
It is often dispersed in pellets; the pellets react with moisture which produces toxic phosphine gas.
It is also used to make semi-conductor materials such as light-emitting diodes.
Impact on Human Health: Aluminium phosphide poisoning continues to be a serious public-health challenge, particularly in agricultural states such as Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.