What are the harmful effects of phosphorus?

Risks associated with too much phosphorus Too much phosphate can be toxic. An excess of the mineral can cause diarrhea, as well as a hardening of organs and soft tissue. High levels of phosphorus can affect your body’s ability to effectively use other minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

Is phosphorus toxic in large amounts?

Ingestion of elemental white or yellow phosphorus typically causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, which are both described as “smoking,” “luminescent,” and having a garlic-like odor. Other signs and symptoms of severe poisoning might include dysrhythmias, coma, hypotension, and death.

What is the largest sink for phosphorus?

The largest sinks for phosphorus are terrestrial rocks, ocean sediments, and water.

How many years of phosphorus do we have left?

In 2021, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated that economically extractable phosphate rock reserves worldwide are 71 billion tons, while world mining production in 2020 was 223 million tons. Assuming zero growth, the reserves would thus last for 260 years.

What are the symptoms of high phosphorus?

Most people with high phosphate levels don’t have symptoms. In some people with chronic kidney disease, high phosphate levels cause calcium levels in the blood to drop….What are the symptoms?

  • muscle cramps or spasms.
  • numbness and tingling around the mouth.
  • bone and joint pain.
  • weak bones.
  • rash.
  • itchy skin.

How much phosphorus is lethal?

Acute phosphorus intoxication has been a familiar syndrome for many years. It has been stated that ingestion of as little as 15 mg of elemental yellow phosphorus may cause symptoms, and 60 mg can be fatal. In one study mortality rate was recorded as 50% 3 and, in another study, 48% of those who ingested large doses.

Where is most phosphorus found on Earth?

ocean sediments
Phosphorus is most commonly found in rock formations and ocean sediments as phosphate salts. Phosphate salts that are released from rocks through weathering usually dissolve in soil water and will be absorbed by plants.

What is the largest pool in the phosphorus cycle?

Thus the ocean sediments are by far the largest stock in the biogeochemical cycles of phosphorus.

Will phosphorus run out?

At current consumption levels, we will run out of known phosphorus reserves in around 80 years, but consumption will not stay at current levels. Nearly 90% of phosphorus is used in the global food supply chain, most of it in crop fertilizers.

Who owns the most phosphate in the world?

However, China remains the largest producer of phosphate at 138 million metric tons. If China maintains the current production rate, its phosphate reserve will be exhausted in the next 35 years. Syria and Algeria have the third largest phosphate reserves in the world.

What is a critical phosphorus level?

Soft tissue calcification is also an important long-term effect of high phosphorus levels. Phosphorus levels below 1.0 mg/dL are potentially life-threatening and are considered a critical value in the Mayo Health System.