Orthophosphoric acid: harm or benefit

Phosphoric or orthophosphoric acid was discovered by R. Boyle by dissolving a white substance formed as a result of the burning of phosphorus in water. Orthophosphoric acid (chemical formula H3PO4) refers to inorganic acids and under ordinary conditions, in pure form, is represented by colorless rhombic crystals. These crystals are quite hygroscopic, do not have a certain color, easily dissolve in water and in many different solvents.

The main spheres of application of orthophosphoric acid are :

• Organic synthesis;
• Production of food and reactive acids;
• Production of phosphoric salts of calcium, sodium, ammonium, aluminum, manganese;
• medicine;
• Fertilizer production
• Metal-working industry;
• Production of film;
• Production of activated carbon;
• Oil industry ;
• Production of refractory materials ;
• Production of detergents;
• Match production.

The great importance of orthophosphoric acid is for plant nutrition. They need phosphorus for the formation of fruits and seeds. Phosphorus fertilizers increase the yield of agricultural crops. Plants become frost-resistant and resistant to unfavorable conditions. By influencing the soil, fertilizers contribute to its structuring, suppress the formation of harmful organic substances, favor the development of beneficial soil bacteria.

Animals also need orthophosphoric acid derivatives. In conjunction with various organic substances, it takes part in the process of metabolism. In most animals, bones, armor, needles, teeth, thorns, claws consist of calcium phosphate. The phosphorus derivatives are contained in the blood, the brain, in the connective and muscular tissues of the human body.

Orthophosphoric acid has found application in industry. Wood, after impregnation with acid and its compounds, becomes non-combustible. Due to such properties of the acid, it is based on the production of fireproof paints, non-flammable phosphate foam, non-flammable phosphate-wood slabs and other building materials.

If you get on the skin, orthophosphoric acid causes burns, while acute poisoning - vomiting, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath. Her vapors irritate the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and cause coughing.

Orthophosphoric acid is a food additive, which is given code E338, which is part of beverages, based on flavors. Still it is used in the production of meat and sausage products, melted cheeses, in sugar refining and bakery.

It is completely unhelpful to abuse carbonated drinks that contain orthophosphoric acid. The harm it does to a person is to increase the acidity of the body and violate the acid-base balance. "Acidification" of the body is a very favorable environment for various bacteria and the process of decay. The body begins to neutralize the acid with calcium, which is borrowed from bones and teeth. All this leads to the development of dental caries, the fragility of bone tissue. The risk of bone fractures increases, early osteoporosis develops. Because of excessive consumption of E338 in food, normal work of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted. The daily dose for human consumption is not clear.