Professional phosphine analyzer with electrochemical sensor, 0-20 ppm sensitivity and 0.1 ppm resolution. Comes factory-calibrated. Includes PH3 detector, belt clip, sling, English manual, USB charging cable, case and USA NIST calibration certificate.

A toxic gas, phosphine is formed when aluminium or zinc phosphide reacts with acid or water to produce a lethal substance that enters the body and causes death via oedema of the lungs, collapse of blood vessels (peripheral vascular collapse) not responsive to drug therapy, and cardiac arrest. An inhalation hazard, phosphine is highly volatile and dissipates quickly into the air. Ingestion of phosphine by the victim can also lead to death.

An analytical procedure is needed to quantify phosphine in human samples in suspected cases of AlP poisoning. A simple colorimetric assay has been used in the past to determine phosphine in human specimens, but this method is not sensitive enough for forensic purposes. The use of headspace gas chromatography with a nitrogen phosphorous detector can provide a more accurate and reliable assessment of phosphine in human post-mortem samples.

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Phosphine gas breaks down rapidly in water and cannot contaminate drinking water supplies, but if released into outdoor air it may contaminate agricultural products. Direct skin contact with liquefied phosphine liquid does not normally result in systemic toxicity, but frostbite can be a risk. Forensic analysis of phosphine in human bodies is important for establishing the cause of AlP poisoning, as well as to help identify victims.