Aluminium phosphide
Description
Aluminium phosphide is a highly effective inorganic chemical compound primarily used as a professional fumigant. In agriculture and food industry, it is essential for protecting stored grain, processed cereal products, and seeds from various insect pests that thrive in storage facilities, silos, and cargo holds.
The mode of action of aluminium phosphide relies on its chemical reaction with atmospheric moisture, which releases phosphine gas. This gas has an exceptional ability to penetrate dense grain masses. Once inside the pest's system, the phosphine blocks cellular respiration, which leads to the death of pests, including eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults, within a specified period.
It is widely applied against key stored-product pests such as grain weevils, flour beetles, grain borers, and moths. The advantage of this chemical is that it is applied as solid tablets or pellets that turn into gas, allowing for the fumigation of large volumes of commodities without manual mixing, provided the storage area is appropriately sealed.
Effective application depends heavily on temperature, humidity, and the structural integrity of the enclosure. Proper sealing is mandatory to maintain the necessary concentration of the gas for the duration of the fumigation cycle. In colder climates or winter storage, the gas release process is significantly slower, requiring adjustments to the dosage and holding times to ensure complete eradication.
- Highly effective against all stages of insect life cycle.
- Suitable for large-scale grain storage and commodity protection.
- Leaves no detectable residue on stored goods after proper aeration.
- Rapid dissipation after the fumigation process is complete.
Safety is the most critical aspect of managing aluminium phosphide. As it is extremely toxic to humans and animals, it must only be handled by trained professionals equipped with appropriate respirators and protective clothing. Strict adherence to ventilation and aeration protocols is required to clear all phosphine gas from the facility before personnel are allowed to re-enter the treated area.
Status in the European Union
Approved in the EU
- CAS number
- 20859-73-8
- Approved from
- 01.09.2009
- Approval until
- 30.11.2026
- ADI
- 0.019 mg/kg bw/day
- ARfD
- 0.032 mg/kg bw
- AOEL
- 0.019 mg/kg bw/day
Regulatory status data: EU Pesticides Database © European Union, CC BY 4.0. EU status is for reference only and does not replace national registration in your country.