Volume 20, Issue 3 (Paramedical Sciences and Military Health 2025)
Paramedical Sciences and Military Health 2025, 20(3): 52-59 |
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Zahiri H, Aghaei M J, Raeesi M. A Review of the Health and Environmental Effects of Using Phosphorus Bombs in Military Wars. Paramedical Sciences and Military Health 2025; 20 (3) :52-59
URL: http://jps.ajaums.ac.ir/article-1-446-en.html
URL: http://jps.ajaums.ac.ir/article-1-446-en.html
1- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. & Student Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- PhD Student in Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Faculty of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. & Student Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,m.raeesi90@gmail.com
2- PhD Student in Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Faculty of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. & Student Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,
Abstract: (16 Views)
Introduction: Phosphorus bombs containing white phosphorus are utilized as weapons capable of producing dense smoke and severe burns in military conflicts. The use of these weapons has caused significant public health and environmental concerns. Due to its incendiary and toxic properties, white phosphorus can cause irreversible damage to both human health and the environment. This study aims to explore the health and environmental impacts of the use of phosphorus bombs in warfare.
Materials and Methods: This research was conducted as a narrative review. A comprehensive search was performed in national and international scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The keywords used included "white phosphorus," "phosphorus bombs," "health effects," and "environmental pollution." The selected articles comprised studies published in the last decade that investigated the health and environmental impacts of white phosphorus.
Results: The review results indicated that the use of phosphorus bombs can lead to severe chemical burns, significant lung damage, and systemic toxicity. Direct contact with white phosphorus results in deep, often untreatable burns requiring immediate and long-term medical intervention. Additionally, inhalation of smoke from these bombs can cause acute respiratory damage and even death. Environmentally, white phosphorus contaminates soil and water and is resistant to degradation. This contamination directly affects plants and animals, leading to a reduction in biodiversity in affected areas.
Conclusion: The use of phosphorus bombs poses serious threats to both human health and the environment. The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for stricter international regulations to limit the use of these weapons. Furthermore, preventive measures and appropriate treatment programs for individuals exposed to white phosphorus should be strengthened. Further research is recommended to better perception of the long-term effects of this substance on public health and the environment.
Materials and Methods: This research was conducted as a narrative review. A comprehensive search was performed in national and international scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The keywords used included "white phosphorus," "phosphorus bombs," "health effects," and "environmental pollution." The selected articles comprised studies published in the last decade that investigated the health and environmental impacts of white phosphorus.
Results: The review results indicated that the use of phosphorus bombs can lead to severe chemical burns, significant lung damage, and systemic toxicity. Direct contact with white phosphorus results in deep, often untreatable burns requiring immediate and long-term medical intervention. Additionally, inhalation of smoke from these bombs can cause acute respiratory damage and even death. Environmentally, white phosphorus contaminates soil and water and is resistant to degradation. This contamination directly affects plants and animals, leading to a reduction in biodiversity in affected areas.
Conclusion: The use of phosphorus bombs poses serious threats to both human health and the environment. The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for stricter international regulations to limit the use of these weapons. Furthermore, preventive measures and appropriate treatment programs for individuals exposed to white phosphorus should be strengthened. Further research is recommended to better perception of the long-term effects of this substance on public health and the environment.
Keywords: White phosphorus, phosphorus bombs, health effects, environmental pollution, chemical weapons.
Type of Study: review |
Subject:
full articles
Received: 2024/12/5 | Accepted: 2025/06/4 | Published: 2025/10/2
Received: 2024/12/5 | Accepted: 2025/06/4 | Published: 2025/10/2
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