Mode of action:

When zinc phosphide is eaten by either an animal or a person,

stomach acid causes it to release the toxic gas phosphine.

Baits containing zinc phosphide are especially dangerous

to animals that cannot vomit, such as rats.

The phosphine in the stomach then crosses into the body's cells,

and stops the cells from producing energy. This causes the cells to die.

Zinc phosphide affects all cells, but targets cells in the heart, lungs, and liver.

Uses:

Zinc phosphide is only used as a rodenticide. It is made into bait

that will attract the pest, such as gophers, ground squirrels, or field mice.