 Notes
on Phosphorus
An important element used in matches is Phosphorus. Matches used to be made using White Phosphorus, which Carson describes as a "waxy, translucent, crystalline, highly-toxic solid subliming at room temperature and inflaming in air at 35°C, so it is handled under water." (Carson 31). [3] Of course, matches made from this material lead to many adverse health effects, some of which were fatal and even encouraged its use for suicide and murder.[4] Due to this its use in matches was banned in many areas worldwide and is why most of the matches you will find today are using Red Phosphorus or Phosphorus Sesquisulfide. Red Phosphorus is a form created from heating White Phosphorus or putting it within sunlight.[5] This type is not poisonous, however, it is possible for it to return to the White variety with frictional heating. Phosphorus Sesquisulfide is another variety which is less toxic than White Phosphorus, but is still very toxic when burned.[6] Now that you know about Phosphorus, lets continue with the discussion on matches. |
||
 
|
