White phosphorus is a chemical agent which is used in arson explosives as Napalm. It has been used by the United States in Vietnam and by Saddam Hussein in the 80's during the war against Curds. Its use is admitted only for tracers, smoke candles or bomb primers because of its combustion properties. However, if it is used because of its toxicity to strike directly human beings or animals, then is considered a chemical weapon.

It is an element that burns when it comes into contact with oxigen and it consumes the molecules which contain it. This is why it is able to melt the body parts it comes into contact with, the most exposed are mucosas.

White phosphorus has been forbidden since 1906 in matches composition and it has been replaced by red phosphorus, because it is considered highly toxic and poisonous if swallowed or inhalated. it is also used in rat poisons to cause internal hemorrhages.

As for all the other arsonist explosives its use is limited to the military field. Its use is forbidden by the Geneva Convention in those zones where civilians are present. In the military slang it is called Willy Pete, the initials of "White Phosphorus".