Common Name: Phosgene CAS Number: 75-44-5 DOT Number: UN 1076 Date: August 1, 1987 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Phosgene can affect you when breathed in. * Exposure to even low levels can cause severe burns of the lungs. Irritation or discomfort may not be noticed until hours after exposure, but can lead to fluid in the lungs, which can cause death. * Repeated exposure to very low levels can cause permanent lung damage. * Phosgene is a CORROSIVE CHEMICAL and contact with liquid Phosgene can cause severe burns of the eyes and skin with permanent damage. IDENTIFICATION Phosgene is a colorless gas, or a clear to yellow volatile liquid, used in making polyurethanes, resins, isocyanates, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals and dyes. REASON FOR CITATION * Phosgene is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, NFPA and DEP. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.9 ppm. The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. It is well above the exposure limit. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 ppm averaged over an 10 hour workshift and 0.2 ppm, not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Phosgene. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Phosgene to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Phosgene: * Exposure to low levels may at first cause only slight irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, or even no discomfort at all. Hours later, however, severe lung burns and a build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) can occur. This can cause death. * Contact with liquid Phosgene can cause severe skin and eye burns with permanent damage. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Phosgene and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Phosgene has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Phosgene has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposures to even very low levels can cause permanent lung damage (emphysema, bronchitis). MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Phosgene from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposure to Phosgene # 76 137. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Phosgene should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Phosgene. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Phosgene, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Phosgene, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Phosgene is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Phosgene. Wear acid resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid Phosgene, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. * Wear gas proof goggles, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 0.1 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. * Exposure to 2 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 2 ppm exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Phosgene you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Phosgene must be stored to avoid contact with WATER, MOISTURE, or STEAM since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed, steel containers in an isolated area away from the work area and separately from ALL other materials, as well as sunlight. * Phosgene should be away from heating and cooling ducts. * Containers should be frequently inspected for leaks. Common Name: Phosgene DOT Number: UN 1076 DOT Emergency Guide code: 15 CAS Number: 75-44-5 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 0 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- CORROSIVE POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Phosgene may burn, but does not readily ignite. * Use dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers. * Use water spray to keep fire exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Phosgene is leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of leak until clean up is complete. * Ventilate area of leak to disperse the gas. * Stop flow of gas. If source of leak is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air, and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Phosgene may be neutralized by covering it with Sodium Bicarbonate or an equal mixture of soda ash and slaked lime. After mixing, spray very carefully with water. Transfer slowly to a larger container of water. DO NOT USE WATER DIRECTLY ON SPILL. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Phosgene as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Pro gram for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 1180 mm Hg at 68oF Water Solubility: Reactive OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Carbonic Dichloride Other Names and Formulations: Carbon Oxychloride; Carbonyl chloride; CG; Chloroformyl Chloride; Diphosgene. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Phosgene is a colorless, highly toxic gas at room temperature. It is used almost exclusively as an intermediate to produce other chemicals. These are usually made at the same site as phosgene itself. The largest amount of phosgene is used in the polyurethane industry, with lesser amounts used in the polycarbonate, pesticide, metal-recovery, perfume, and specialty industries. Phosgene may enter the environment from industrial discharges or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the acute (short-term) effects of phosgene to plants or aquatic life. Phosgene has high acute toxicity to birds and land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of phosgene to aquatic life, plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Phosgene react rapidly with water and will not accumulate in the aquatic environment. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. Phosgene reacts rapidly with water and will not accumulate in aquatic organisms or the environment. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.