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You are here: NPIC Home Page Pesticide Ingredients Active Ingredients Zinc Phosphide

Zinc phosphide is used as a rodenticide. Formulated as attractive bait, it releases phosphine gas once it is exposed to acid and moisture in the stomach. The phosphine gas is very toxic to all animals. Baits may also attract children or pets, so great care should be taken to keep pets and children away from areas when zinc phosphide is present. Phosphine is released naturally as swamp gas when organic matter decomposes in environments without oxygen.

General Questions about Zinc Phosphide

What is zinc phosphide? What are some products that contain zinc phosphide? How does zinc phosphide work? How might I be exposed to zinc phosphide What are some signs and symptoms from a brief exposure to zinc phosphide? What happens to zinc phosphide when it enter the body? Is zinc phosphide likely to contribute to the development of cancer? Has anyone studied non-cancer effects from long-term exposure to zinc phosphide? Are children more sensitive to zinc phosphide than adults? What happens to zinc phosphide in the environment? Can zinc phosphide affect birds, fish, and other wildlife?

General Fact Sheet

Cover the Holes when Baiting for Moles (or Gophers)! Q & A

Inhalation Risks from Phosphine Fumigants Medical Case Profile

If you have questions about zinc phosphide, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email at npic@ace.orst.edu.

Related Topics:

What are pests?

What are pesticides?

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NPIC provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions. NPIC is a cooperative agreement between Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (cooperative agreement #X8-83947901). The information in this publication does not in any way replace or supersede the restrictions, precautions, directions, or other information on the pesticide label or any other regulatory requirements, nor does it necessarily reflect the position of the U.S. EPA.