Phosphine Quiz - Test your knowledge

Test your knowledge!

Dear participant,

Thank you for participating in the Detia Degesch Group survey.

Phosphine is a fascinating but also dangerous gas with a wide range of applications, particularly in the chemical and semiconductor industries and in agriculture. Despite its many uses, however, phosphine also poses significant risks to health and to unaffected objects if not handled properly.

In this quiz, we will test your knowledge of phosphine—from its chemical properties and uses to the safety precautions and hazards associated with this substance. Are you ready to test your knowledge?

Have fun and good luck!

1 / 24

Category: Easy

What is the chemical formula of phosphine? (1)

PH3

P3H

PH4

P4H3

2 / 24

Category: Easy

Which role does phosphine play in the agricultural sector? (1)

Use as fungicide

Use as insecticide for stored products

Use as fertilizer

Use against bacteria inside a greenhouse

3 / 24

Category: Easy

Which metal phosphides are mainly used for the fumigation of stored products? (2)

Aluminium phosphide

Zinc phosphide

Magnesium phosphide

Calcium phosphide

4 / 24

Category: Easy

What does PPM stand for? (1)

Points Per Millilitre

Parts Per Mile

Points Per Measurement

Parts Per Million

5 / 24

Category: Easy

What are further names for hydrogen phosphide? (2)

Phosgene

Phosphine

Phosphate

Phosphane

6 / 24

Category: Easy

What is the state of aggregation of phosphine at room temperature? (1)

Liquid

Solid

Gaseous

Phosphine only exists in liquid form

7 / 24

Category: Easy

How should phosphine be applied for pest control purposes? (1)

Surface application on field

Fumigation of sewage water system

As per label instruction

In the water

8 / 24

Category: Easy

The degradation of metal phosphides generates a typical, unpleasant smell of garlic or rotten fish (even though it is dependent on personal capability)– why? (2)

Garlic shells are present in the formulation

Shrimp shells are present in the formulation

Generation of diphosphane (impurity)

Ammonia (depending on the product)

9 / 24

Category: Advanced

How much heavier is phosphine in comparison to air? (1)

Approx. 1,71

Approx. 1,23

Approx. 1,32

Approx. 1,17

10 / 24

Category: Advanced

Which material can be negatively affected by the exposure towards phosphine? (1)

Copper, non-pure silver and gold containing materials

Base metal such as lead, nickel and zinc

Wood and its products such as furniture

Plastic such as HDPE

11 / 24

Category: Advanced

What is the minimum personal protection equipment required for the use of metal phosphide formulations? (2)

long sleeve top and trousers, closed safety shoes

Full-face gas mask with filter (class at least B2, colour code grey)

FFP2 mask

UV-resistant eye protection

12 / 24

Category: Advanced

How can phosphine concentration be reliably detected? (1)

Due to its smell

Due to changed atmosphere colour inside the fumigation object

Due to concentration measurement with adequate equipment

Due to falling inside temperature during the exposure

13 / 24

Category: Advanced

During a fumigation at less favourable conditions is it rather recommended to increase the dosage or to extend the exposure period? (1)

It is rather recommendable to extend the exposure period

It is rather recommendable to increase the concentration

Time does not matter

Temperature does not matter

14 / 24

Category: Advanced

Complete the sentence: Monitoring of phosphine atmosphere/concentration… (2)

Is very useful to know the concentration level achieved within the fumigated area

Will help determine safety measure around the fumigated area

Is expensive

Can be done with the same devices in high and low concentrations

15 / 24

Category: Advanced

How should metal phosphide formulations be stored? (1)

In wooden containers

tightly closed and in a cool, well-ventilated place.

In humid environments

At room temperature without special precautions

16 / 24

Category: Advanced

Which statement about phosphine is correct? (1)

It is highly flammable

It is non-toxic

It has no known dangers

It is a colorful gas

17 / 24

Category: Advanced

How do metal phosphide release phosphine gas? (1)

Due to the reaction of phosphorus with chlorine

Due to the reaction with the ambient humidity

By electrolysis of phosphoric acid

By oxidation of phosphine in air

18 / 24

Category: Advanced

What safety precautions should be taken when handling phosphine? (1)

Work without respiratory protection unless high concentrations are present

Work in poorly ventilated areas to maintain the gas

Work in well-ventilated, well-secured areas with suitable protective equipment

No special safety measurement is necessary

19 / 24

Category: Expert

Which of the following hazards does phosphine pose?

It will explode when exposed to air

It is a strong irritant to the eyes and respiratory system

It can cause long-term health damage if inhaled in small quantities

It is completely harmless unless released in large quantities

20 / 24

Category: Expert

What is a suitable fire extinguisher to be available during metal phosphide storage?

Water

Foam

CO2

Dry Sand

21 / 24

Category: Expert

What are typical symptoms of a phosphine intoxication?

Headache, nausea, vomiting

Delirium and euphoria

Difficult breathing and chest pain

Irritation in respiratory tract

22 / 24

Category: Expert

Why is phosphine toxic?

It blocks the absorption of oxygen in the blood

It is a powerful oxidizing agent

It affects cellular respiration and disrupts energy production

It acts as a nerve stimulant and leads to convulsion

23 / 24

Category: Expert

What are the potential environmental hazards of a phosphine release?

It is toxic to aquatic organisms

It is a potent threat to the ozone layer

It is toxic to mammals

It can cause changes in soil structure in high concentrations

24 / 24

Category: Expert

How long does phosphine remain stable in the outside atmosphere after it is released from a fumigated object?

Hours to days

Minutes to hours

Days to weeks

It breaks down immediately after release

Your score is

The average score is 23%

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