Where Is Phosphorus Used?

Function. The main function of phosphorus is in

the formation of bones and teeth

. It plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It is also needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues.

What is phosphorus used in everyday life?

Today most of our phosphorus comes from phosphate rock that is mined around the world, and then converted to phosphoric acid. Fifty million tonnes are made every year and it has multiple uses. It is used to make

fertilisers, animal feeds, rust removers, corrosion preventers

, and even dishwasher tablets.

Where do we find phosphorus in everyday life?

There are four common forms of phosphorous used today: white, black, red, and violet. It’s easy to spot phosphorus on the periodic table just under nitrogen (N) at position number fifteen. You can find phosphorus in

baking powder, fertilizers, and fireworks

.

What household items have phosphorus?

Phosphorus is found in high amounts in protein foods such as

milk and milk products and meat and alternatives

, such as beans, lentils and nuts. Grains, especially whole grains provide phosphorus.

What are 5 uses of phosphorus?

Uses of Phosphorus

Phosphorus is used in the

manufacture of safety matches (red phosphorus)

, pyrotechnics and incendiary shells. Phosphorus is also used in steel manufacture and in the production of phosphor bronze. Phosphates are ingredients of some detergents. Phosphorus is used to make light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

How is phosphorus used by humans?

Function. The main function of phosphorus is

in the formation of bones and teeth

. It plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It is also needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues.

Where is phosphorus found in food?

Phosphorus can be found in foods (organic phosphorus) and is naturally found in protein-rich foods such as

meats, poultry, fish, nuts, beans and dairy products

. Phosphorus found in animal foods is absorbed more easily than phosphorus found in plant foods.

What phosphorus smells like?

Phosphorus, white, dry or under water or in solution appears as a soft waxy solid with a

sharp pungent odor similar to garlic

.

How do we obtain phosphorus?

The phosphorus is obtained by

mining deposits of rock phosphate

. Locally produced sulfuric acid is used to convert the insoluble rock phosphate into a more soluble and usable form – a fertiliser product called superphosphate.

What foods to avoid if phosphorus is high?

• Dairy foods.
• Beans.
• Lentils.
• Nuts.
• Bran cereals.
• Oatmeal.
• Colas and other drinks with phosphate additives.
• Some bottled ice tea.

Are eggs high in phosphorus?

Eggs are a great protein source but also contain

95 mg phosphorus in a large egg

. Remove the yolk and phosphorus is only 5 mg for each egg white. All cheese contains phosphorus with most having 120-250 mg per ounce; some contain more than 300 mg per ounce.

What is the best source of phosphorus for plants?

Besides human urine, there are many naturally occurring sources of phosphorus that can be used in the garden, including

bat guano (or feces)

, bone meal, crab and shrimp waste, burned cucumber skins, hair and mushroom compost.

What is an example of phosphorus?

Examples of primary phosphorus minerals include

apatite, strengite, and variscite

. The secondary phosphorus minerals include calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and aluminum (Al) phosphates. The release of phosphorus from this pool is extremely slow and occurs when the mineral weathers and dissolves in soil water.

Is phosphorus harmful to humans?

White phosphorus is extremely toxic to humans

, while other forms of phosphorus are much less toxic. … Chronic (long-term) exposure to white phosphorus in humans results in necrosis of the jaw, termed “phossy jaw.” EPA has classified white phosphorus as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.

Why is phosphorus used in matches?

Friction on

the ignition surface:

If the match is struck against the striking surface, the friction causes the match to heat up. A small amount of the red phosphorus on the friction surface is converted into white phosphorus. The heat ignites the phosphorus that has reached the match head of the match when rubbing.

What food has the most phosphorus?

1. Chicken and Turkey. Share on Pinterest. …
2. Pork. A typical 3-ounce (85-gram) portion of cooked pork contains 25–32% of the RDI for phosphorus, depending on the cut. …
3. Organ Meats. …
4. Seafood. …
5. Dairy. …
6. Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds. …
7. Nuts. …
8. Whole Grains.