Phosphorus Bombs: What You Should Know About Russia’s Alleged Use

Posted July 7, 2022

External Article: Phosphorus Bombs: What You Should Know About Russia’s Alleged Use

Al Jazeera quoted Margaret E. Kosal, an associate professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, in the article “Phosphorus Bombs: What You Should Know About Russia’s Alleged Use,” published July 5, 2022.

In the article, Kosal discussed the effects of munitions.

An excerpt:

What is particularly cruel is that the mixture of white phosphorus and rubber contained in the bombs sticks to the victims’ skin. Once in contact with phosphorus, the individual will attempt to knock out the burning spots. However, since phosphorus bombs are mixed with rubber gelatine, the viscous mass sticks to the skin worsening the effect.

“If some white phosphorus remains embedded in the body, it can re-ignite if re-exposed to air (such as during medical care). It is incredibly nasty, causing debilitatingly painful burns if a person comes into contact with it,” Kosal noted.