It causes skin to melt away from the bone and can break down a victim's jawbone, but white phosphorus - known in Vietnam as Willie Pete - is still used by sections of the world's military.

According to WHO, white phosphorus is a chemical substance that "ignites instantly upon contact with oxygen" and is "very ...

It can ignite fast-burning, fast-spreading fires on the ground, and once ignited, white phosphorus is extremely difficult to extinguish. The substance sticks to many surfaces, including skin and ...

It adheres to surfaces (especially clothing or skin) and can cause fatal burns. Additionally, chemicals in the smoke can harm ...