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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first created, it is now outdated.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. |
|