UN 3048 — Aluminum phosphide pesticide
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 157. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Aluminum phosphide pesticide (UN 3048) is a dangerous-when-wet pesticide that can release toxic phosphine gas when exposed to moisture. It requires dry handling and product-specific guidance.
Hazard overview: The critical hazard for UN 3048 is moisture reaction. Water, humid air or wet soil can generate phosphine, a highly toxic and flammable gas, while fire can add toxic phosphorus oxide smoke.
Response guidance: Keep UN 3048 dry, isolate the area and avoid water or foam on the product. Use dry media such as dry sand or dry chemical only if compatible and safe. Monitor for phosphine, stay upwind and request hazmat or pesticide specialist assistance.
Firefighter training notes: Train crews to recognize that water application can worsen an aluminum phosphide release by generating phosphine gas.
Regulatory context: UN 3048 is regulated as a dangerous-when-wet/toxic pesticide entry; shipping papers, product label and SDS must guide final tactics.
Storage & handling: Store dry, sealed and away from water, acids, oxidizers and incompatible materials. Protect containers from humidity and damage.
UN 3048 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3048
- Dangerous when wet; contact with water or moist air can release toxic and flammable phosphine gas.
- Phosphine may ignite and can be fatal at low concentrations.
- Material can react with moisture in soil, packaging or firefighting runoff.
- Fire may produce toxic phosphorus oxides and irritating smoke.
- Containers may build pressure if contaminated with water.
- Runoff can create toxic gas and pesticide contamination hazards.
- Exact formulation and packaging strongly affect reaction rate.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Dark gray to yellow crystalline solid or powder with a faint garlic-like or acetylene odor when exposed to moisture. Reacts with water or humid air to produce phosphine gas. Odor is not a reliable warning for phosphine exposure.
| Also known as | Aluminum phosphideAlPPhostoxinQuickphosCelphosFumitoxin |
| CAS Number | 20859-73-8 |
| Appearance | Dark gray to yellow crystalline solid or powder with a faint garlic-like or acetylene odor when exposed to moisture. Reacts with water or humid air to produce phosphine gas. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid, but releases highly flammable phosphine gas on contact with water) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes and sublimes above 1000C) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable for solid, but phosphine gas released has vapor density 1.2 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water or moisture, producing highly toxic and flammable phosphine gas (PH3) and heat |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3048
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA and chemical-resistant protective clothing. Gas monitoring for phosphine and careful dry decontamination are important when packages are damaged.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3048 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Keep the material dry; do not apply water or foam directly to the product.
- Avoid breathing gas, dust or smoke; phosphine monitoring may be needed.
- Do not touch damaged containers without SCBA and chemical-resistant PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only if trained, equipped and authorized.
- Use ERG 157, SDS and shipping papers to confirm isolation and response actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3048 — Aluminum phosphide pesticideUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.