Near the end of World War II, the Nazis became further interested with the effects of incendiary weapons, which were capable of extremely high levels of destruction. The incendiary bombs contained phosphorus matter, a substance that can cause horrific burns and serious injury. White phosphorus can harm humans by being inhaled in smoke form, being ingested, or by burning into the body's tissue. The initial explosion of an incendiary weapon containing phosphorus can produce deep third degree burns, due its properties that allow it to stick to the skin. Phosphorus burns also carry a greater risk of death than most other burns, as absorption of the element into the body can result in multiple organ failure. While researching the incendiary weaponry, the Nazis decided to test the effects at the Buchenwald concentration camp. Victims were purposefully burned with phosphorus matter, causing deep wounds and prolonged suffering.
