Abstract: Purpose:In order to investigate the chemical form and distribution of toxicants absorbed following phophorus burns(PB). Methods:Surface-coil ³¹P P NMR was used to study the contents of phosphorus (P₄) and its metabolites in liver, brain and wounds after PB, Phosphate scald (PS), and subcutaneous injection of phosphorus (SIP). Results:Obvious sign of P₄ in the liver but not brain was observed in both dead and survival animals following SIP. While after PB most P₄ was changed into phosphate, phosphate increased significantly in the liver and mild in the brain with no sign of P₄ after PB and PS. Conclusion:The chemical form of main toxicants absorbed was accompaned with those remained within wounds after PB. Phosphoric acid was fetal cause of phosphorus poisoning after PB.

Key words: Phosphorus burns, Poisoning, ³¹P NMR