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Phosgene Today

Phosgene is a commonly used product in industry today. Phosgene is produced through synthesis and is therefore a man-made compound. The main purpose of phosgene is to be an intermediate reactant in the process of synthesizing organic compounds. The most common products that phosgene is used as an intermediate for are: pharmaceuticals, isocyanates (used in plastics and adhesion production), coal tar, polyurethanes (used in foam production), pesticides and dyes.

Effects of Phosgene on the Human Body

Phosgene is a highly toxic gas. If it exposed to human it could potentially cause death by pulmonary oedema. The most common theory to how phosgene does this is that hydrochloric acid is produced in the air-containing cells of the lungs (aveoli). The hydrochloric acid is produced when the phosgene gas is dissolved in water and hydrolysis occurs. The result is carbon dioxide molecules and hydrochloric acid. Since hydrochloric acid reacts directly with the capillary wall in the lungs, oedema fluid eventually floods the lungs, and causes internal suffocation.

Symptoms of Overexposure to Phosgene

Immediately after exposure to phosgene, an individuals’ symptoms include: coughing, nausea, vomiting, headache, and rapid decreases and increases in heart rate. After this short phase there is a two to twenty-four hour period in which all symptoms cease, and the individual feels normal. After this period painful coughing, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and rapid shallow breathing takes place. All of the symptoms from this period on are symptoms of pulmonary oedema. The final period is the most fatal. The symptoms in this period include: the increase of Dyspnea, low blood pressure, discoloration of skin, and the development of frothy “mucus” occurs. Very few who enter this period, survive its deadly effects.