This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about phosgene. For more information, you may call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. This information is important because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.

Phosgene is a colorless nonflammable gas that has the odor of freshly cut hay. It is a manufactured chemical, but small amounts occur naturally from the break down of chlorinated compounds.

Phosgene is used in the manufacture of other chemicals such as dyestuffs, isocyanates, polycarbonates and acid chlorides; it is also used in the manufacture of pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Phosgene can also be used to separate ores.

Phosgene is a gas at room temperature, but is sometimes stored as a liquid under pressure or refrigeration.

• When released to air, phosgene will exist solely as a gas. Phosgene gas is degraded in the atmosphere by reacting with substances commonly found in the air, but this is a very slow process. Phosgene in the air may also react with moisture in clouds or rain and be broken down into other compounds.
• Phosgene will react with water and be broken down into other products. Some of the phosgene that is not broken down may evaporate into air.
• When released to soil, phosgene will not stick to the soil. Small amounts may evaporate into air or pass through the soil surface and contaminate groundwater. Most of the phosgene in soil will be broken down when it comes into contact with moisture.
• Phosgene does not accumulate in the food chain.

• The general population may be exposed to very low levels of phosgene by breathing in air.
• Phosgene is released during the welding of metals that have been cleaned up with chlorinated solvents, so welders may be exposed to this compound.
• Phosgene is used to produce a variety of other compounds like dyes and pesticides, so workers employed in these fields may be exposed to this compound.

Phosgene can be harmful if you breathe it. Exposure to low levels can cause eye and throat irritation making you to cough or wheeze. Higher levels of phosgene gas can cause your lungs to swell, making it difficult to breathe. This can happen quickly or might not be noticed until the next day. Even higher levels can result in severe damage to your lungs that might lead to death.

Available studies of workers exposed for long periods of time to low levels of phosgene gas have not shown increased chances of developing lung problems.

If you get phosgene gas or liquid on your skin or in your eyes, you may develop chemical burns. Phosgene liquid may also cause frostbite. However, you are not likely to come into contact with liquid phosgene. In the unlikely case that you swallow phosgene liquid, your mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach could be damaged.

No information is available regarding the potential of phosgene to cause reproductive effects.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the EPA have not classified phosgene as to its carcinogenicity. There is no information to determine whether exposure to phosgene might cause cancer.

There are no studies on the health effects of children exposed to phosgene. It is likely that the health effects seen in children exposed to phosgene will be similar to the effects seen in adults. We do not know whether children differ from adults in their susceptibility to phosgene.

We do not know if exposure to phosgene will result in birth defects or other developmental effects in humans.

Most families will not be exposed to significant levels of phosgene. However, the burning of materials such as certain plastics that contain chlorinated hydrocarbons can produce phosgene gas. You should stay away from fires or other heat sources where such materials may be present.

There are no tests to positively determine whether you have been exposed to phosgene. If you suspect that you may have been exposed to phosgene, a chest X-ray may be the quickest way to determine if your lungs have been damaged. This can be done in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office that has an X-ray machine.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets a limit of 0.1 part of phosgene in a million parts of air (0.1 ppm) in the workplace for an 8-hour work shift, 40-hour work week.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 2002. Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents. Volume III – Medical Management Guidelines for Acute Chemical Exposures: Phosgene. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.

ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. Their specialists can recognize, evaluate, and treat illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. You can also contact your community or state health or environmental quality department if you have any more questions or concerns.

For more information, contact:

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-32
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 1-888-42-ATSDR (1-888-422-8737)
FAX:   (770)-488-4178
Email: ATSDRIC@cdc.gov