Abstract: A composition for producing smoke from phosphorus vapor for use in search and rescue markers and a method of producing such composition. The composition comprises a blended mixture of the following ingredients in the following weight percentage ranges:red phosphorus--55% to 80%;oxidizing agent (sodium nitrate or ammonium nitrate)--10% to 30%;metal fuel--5% to 10%;acid absorber--1% to 5%; andsynthetic rubber binder--1% to 8%.Such a composition tends to be more stable and reliable than previous compositions used for this purpose, as well as less hazardous to manufacture. In addition, it permits an increase in the proportion of red phosphorus used, with a resultant increase in burn time and/or flame and smoke emission.