Phosphine is a colorless, flammable and explosive gas that smells like garlic or decaying fish. Phosphine is used in semiconductor and plastic industries, in the production of a flame retardant, and as a pesticide in stored grain. Phosphine does not stay in the environment or soil for long periods of time.

If you inhale, eat or drink phosphine-contaminated substances, you can be exposed. Phosphine does break down quickly in the environment.

Inhalation is the most common form of being exposed to phosphine. Early symptoms may include pain in the diaphragm, nausea, vomiting, excitement and phosphorus smell on the breath. If there is a higher level of phosphine in your body, it may cause weakness, bronchitis, and fluid in the lungs, shortness of breath, convulsions and death. If you are exposed to low levels of phosphine, it can result in anemia, bronchitis, gastrointestinal effects and visual, speech and motor problems. If you swallow, it can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

There are no specific blood or urine tests to detect phosphine. If you think that you have been exposed, especially for a long period of time, there may be tests that can show whether the lungs and heart have been damaged. Please call your doctor or 911 for medical attention right away. Do not drive yourself to the hospital as you may become very ill on your way.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)