Drew Herrema
A
thread 1/7
"It burns to the bone" doesn't properly describe just how horrible white phosphorus really is.
Some other reasons why it's terrible:
08:30 PM - Dec 15, 2023
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Drew Herrema
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thread 2/7
1. White phosphorus is pyrophoric. When something is pyrophoric, it means it will ignite spontaneously when exposed to oxygen. It will burn until it's completely consumed or starved of oxygen. And will reignite when reintroduced to oxygen.
08:30 PM - Dec 15, 2023
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Drew Herrema
A
thread 3/7
2. White phosphorus is sticky. This makes it very difficult to remove from clothes, skin, wounds, and anything else it touches and will transfer on contact.
08:30 PM - Dec 15, 2023
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Drew Herrema
A
thread 4/7
3. White phosphorus sputters and splits as it burns, throwing out bits of burning phosphorus. This spreads the sticky burning material.
08:30 PM - Dec 15, 2023
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Drew Herrema
A
thread 5/7
4. White phosphorus is toxic. Really toxic. Prolonged contact can result in liver, heart and kidney damage, and in some cases multiple organ failure.
08:30 PM - Dec 15, 2023
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Drew Herrema
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thread 6/7
So, it will stick to cloths, and skin, burns hot and long enough to bore down to the bone. It will go until it burns it's self out, unless starved of air, and it will reignite. Even if you are able to stop and remove the white phosphorus, there is still the danger of death from toxins.
08:30 PM - Dec 15, 2023
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Drew Herrema
A
thread 7/7
White phosphorus' ability to create plumes of obscuring smoke (also toxic) gives countries a “legitimate” reason to keep using it. These claims feel like a smoke screen for their actual motives for its use.

Do you condone the use of white phosphorus in any situation?
08:30 PM - Dec 15, 2023
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