White phosphorus munitions

White phosphorus munitions are a type of ammunition designed to produce smoke, signal, incendiary effects, and illumination. White phosphorus (WP) is a material made from the chemical element phosphorus, which is highly reactive and ignites in air at temperatures of approximately 30°C (86°F). Due to its pyrophoric nature and the intense heat and smoke it generates upon combustion, WP has been utilized in various military applications. However, the use of white phosphorus munitions has raised significant ethical and legal concerns, particularly regarding their impact on civilians and the environment.

History

The use of white phosphorus in warfare dates back to World War I, where it was employed primarily for smoke-screening purposes. Its usage expanded in World War II for signaling, screening, and as an incendiary weapon. Since then, white phosphorus has been used in numerous conflicts around the globe, including in Vietnam, the Middle East, and during the Iraq War.

Properties and Effects

White phosphorus reacts rapidly with oxygen, producing a characteristic white smoke and high temperatures. This reaction can cause severe burns upon contact with skin and can ignite materials in the vicinity. When used in munitions, WP serves multiple military purposes:

• Smoke Generation: The dense white smoke produced by WP is used for concealing troop movements and positions.
• Incendiary Device: Due to its high temperature and flammability, WP is effective at igniting fuel, ammunition, and other combustibles.
• Illumination: WP burns brightly, making it useful for illuminating night-time operations.
• Anti-Personnel: The capacity of WP to cause severe thermal and chemical burns makes it a controversial anti-personnel weapon.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The use of white phosphorus munitions in populated areas poses serious risks to civilians, leading to debate over its legality under international law. The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) and the Protocol on Incendiary Weapons aim to restrict the use of incendiary weapons against civilians. However, the legality of WP munitions often hinges on their intended use, whether for illumination, signaling, or as an incendiary weapon.

Critics argue that the indiscriminate and long-lasting effects of white phosphorus, especially its potential to cause painful phosphorus burns and environmental damage, make its use in conflict zones particularly problematic. There have been calls for stricter regulations or outright bans on the use of WP munitions.

Current Use and Controversy

Despite the controversies, some countries continue to stockpile and use white phosphorus munitions. Their use in recent conflicts has often been met with international condemnation, especially when civilian casualties are reported. The debate over white phosphorus munitions underscores the broader challenges of balancing military necessity with humanitarian concerns in modern warfare.

See Also

• Chemical weapons
• Incendiary device
• International humanitarian law
• Warfare and the environment