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Note: This information is provided for reference purposes only. Although the information provided here was accurate and current when first created, it is now outdated.

Emergency First Aid Treatment Guide


PHOSGENE
75-44-5

This guide should not be construed to authorize emergency personnel to perform the procedures or activities indicated or implied. Care of persons exposed to toxic chemicals must be directed by a physician or other recognized authority.

SUBSTANCE CHARACTERISTICS:

Pure Form: Easily liquefied colorless gas or colorless to light
Odor: Strong and stifling when concentrated, haylike in dilute
Commercial Forms: 99% pure liquefied gas.
Use: Organic synthesis; chemical intermediate for isocyanates, acid chlorides, and polycarbonates; pesticides; herbicides; dye manufacture; chemical warfare agent.
Other Names: Carbon oxychloride, carbonic acid dichloride, carbonyl chloride, chloroformyl chloride, diphosgene.
Personal Protective Equipment: See Chemical Profile Section VIII.


EMERGENCY LIFE-SUPPORT EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES THAT MAY BE REQUIRED:

Compressed oxygen, forced-oxygen mask, soap, water, normal saline, D5W, Ringer's lactate, dimercaprol. PHOSGENE


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Warning: Effects may be delayed up to 24 hours. Caution is advised. Acute exposure to phosgene may result in severe irritation and burns of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and respiratory passages. Cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath), pain in the chest, and severe pulmonary edema may also occur. Cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes) and anxiety may be observed.


EMERGENCY LIFE-SUPPORT PROCEDURES:

Acute exposure to phosgene may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.


INHALATION EXPOSURE:

1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to phosgene. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 4. RUSH to a health care facility.

DERMAL/EYE EXPOSURE:

1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to phosgene. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible. PHOSGENE 4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. 5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water. 6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 7. RUSH to a health care facility.

INGESTION EXPOSURE:

No information is available.

 

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