Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Preparation and Reactivity of a Triphosphenium Bromide Salt: A Convenient and Stable Source of Phosphorus(I)
Published on: November 22, 2016
Phosphine exposure from a methamphetamine laboratory investigation
1Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arizona, Tucson 85719-4197, USA. jburgess@u.arizona.edu
Background:
Law enforcement personnel may be exposed to a variety of hazardous materials during investigation of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories.
Case Report:
A 28-year-old forensic specialist investigating a methamphetamine lab was exposed to phosphine without respiratory protection at approximately 2.7 ppm for 20-30 minutes. Shortly following exposure she developed dizziness, cough, headache, and diarrhea, although initial medical evaluation within 1-2 hours was unremarkable. Pulmonary examination at 4 and 7 days postexposure revealed bilateral rhonchi. The cough was worse with exertion, and persisted despite beta-agonist and steroid inhaler treatment.
Conclusions:
This is apparently the first published case of symptomatic occupational phosphine exposure in a law enforcement officer during investigation of a methamphetamine laboratory. If phosphine exposure is suspected, the possibility of delayed pulmonary toxicity should be recognized.
Related Concept Videos
Gas Chromatography: Types of Detectors-II
Photoluminescence: Applications
Flame Photometry: Lab
Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...

