Phosphorus has many uses, one of which is as a natural pesticide. Organophosphorus pesticides, as they are called, are sprayed onto the crops using crop-dusters as shown in the photo. They interfere with insects nervous systems, until they die. However, these pesticides are as harmful to humans and other animals as they are to insects. Organophosphorus pesticides are one of the most toxic types of pesticides. It stops the body from producing an enzyme called cholinesterase (ko-li-nes-ter-ace). Cholinesterase ends chemical signals that cause nerve impulses. With out cholinesterase, the chemical signals would never end, causing uncontrollable muscle twitching, paralyzed breathing, and other harmful nervous system problems.
Phosphorus is also used in matches. In fact, Robert Boyle made and used the first phosphorus tipped matches. Today, these matches are called "strike-anywhere" matches because you can strike them on any surface, and they will ignite. When you strike a match, the friction causes enough heat energy to ignite the phosphorus.
There is another type of match called a safety match. Instead of the phosphorus being on the match, it is located on the box. These "striking surfaces" have phosphorus that reacts with the oxidizing agent on the head of the match to light it.
Below is an example of "strike-anywhere" matches being lit on different surfaces.
There is another type of match called a safety match. Instead of the phosphorus being on the match, it is located on the box. These "striking surfaces" have phosphorus that reacts with the oxidizing agent on the head of the match to light it.
Below is an example of "strike-anywhere" matches being lit on different surfaces.