Leisure & green areas

False amber - dangerous phosphorus

Deutsch

Many Baltic Sea visitors are aware of the warning. But unfortunately it can also be found in our waters. We are talking about white phosphorus. It looks deceptively similar to amber in water - but the supposed amber can turn out to be phosphorus, is highly poisonous and easily flammable. The yellow lumps come from incendiary bombs from the Second World War, in which phosphorus was used as a fire-extinguishing agent.

Gefahrehinweise Silbersee (englisch)

The city of Langenhagen does a lot to detect and eliminate explosive ordnance and remnants of war in Langenhagen. The shore and shallow water areas of Lake Silbersee have been thoroughly investigated and extensively remediated in recent years. However, despite all efforts, it has unfortunately been shown that it cannot be ruled out that isolated phosphorus residues in the water can get into the shore area. They look like amber-coloured stones. Wet they are harmless. However, if they become dry, they react with oxygen and can ignite.

Danger information sign at the Silbersee

It becomes dangerous when the yellow-brown stones attract the attention of walkers on the beach or children playing. If false "stones" are found and put in a jacket or trouser pocket, they can dry and ignite. When burned, the solid "stone" then becomes a sticky mass. As long as phosphorus is in contact with oxygen, it continues to burn. This is why phosphorus is best extinguished with (wet) sand.

In case of emergency - go into the water and stay in the water!

If you come into contact with burning phosphorus, you should immediately go into the water and stay there until help arrives. At the same time, the fire brigade and emergency doctor should be informed, as there is an acute danger to life. One should try to take off one's clothes in the water in order to avoid a new ignition on land later. If it is not possible to reach the water, the wound can be covered with wet sand. Parents should find and collect amber stones with their children and talk about phosphorus.

1. Where does the phosphor come from?
     
   White phosphorus played a role as a weapon in military history. It was used as filling material for incendiary bombs, the so-called phosphorus bombs. Until the 1950s there was a military training area on the grounds of the Silbersee. During the First and Second World Wars, explosive ordnance, among other things, was tested and disposed of there.
    
2. How dangerous is phosphorus?
    
   If phosphorus dries, the chemical can quickly ignite itself. In case of skin contact, phosphorus leads to serious injuries. The vapours produced during combustion are toxic.
    
3. What types of damage are known or possible?
    
   White phosphorus can cause burns, combined with poorly healing wounds and scars.
    
4. What can be done in case of emergency?
    
   Anyone who comes into contact with burning phosphorus should immediately go into the water and preferably stay there until help arrives. At the same time, inform the fire brigade (call 112) and emergency doctor, as there is an acute danger to life. One should try to take off one's clothes in the water in order to avoid a new ignition on land later. If it is not possible to reach the water, the wound can be covered with wet sand. Parents should absolutely find with their children about the topic "Amber on the beach" and collect and/or phosphor speak.
     
5. Is the Silbersee still safe?
    
   The city of Langenhagen has thoroughly investigated the shore area and the shallow water from 2015 to 2016 and has extensively sounded it out. According to the current state of the art, these should be safe, as should the paths and the green areas.
     
6. Is it safe t o swim in the Silbersee?
    
   It is safe to swim in the Silbersee. This applies to both humans and dogs. The water quality of the lake is checked regularly. However, we urge you to exercise caution: objects found in the water or in the shore area should never be stored and put into jackets or trouser pockets. The recommendation is to leave them lying around and to inform the police or the DLRG in case of suspicion.
    
7. Why has only the dog beach been closed so far?
    
   Because that was the place where it was found. The police, in consultation with the city, had immediately arranged for the barrier to be closed.
    
8. Shouldn't the entire lake be closed off?
   
   No, not for now. However, the experts from the city administration and the explosive ordnance disposal service will reassess the situation and take appropriate measures if necessary.