Phosgene
Synonyms & Trade Names
Carbon oxychloride, Carbonyl chloride, Carbonyl dichloride, Chloroformyl chlorideExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.1 ppm (0.4 mg/m3) C 0.2 ppm (0.8 mg/m3) [15-minute]OSHA PEL
TWA 0.1 ppm (0.4 mg/m3)Physical Description
Colorless gas with a suffocating odor like musty hay. [Note: A fuming liquid below 47°F. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]Molecular Weight
98.9Boiling Point
47°FFreezing Point
-198°FSolubility
SlightVapor Pressure
1.6 atmIonization Potential
11.55 eVSpecific Gravity
1.43 (Liquid at 32°F)Flash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NARelative Gas Density
3.48Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Moisture, alkalis, ammonia, alcohols, copper [Note: Reacts slowly in water to form hydrochloric acid & carbon dioxide.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact (liquid)Symptoms
irritation eyes; dry burning throat; vomiting; cough, foamy sputum, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), chest pain, cyanosis; liquid: frostbiteTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact (liquid)
Eyes:Prevent eye contact (liquid)
Wash skin:When contaminated (liquid)
Remove:When wet or contaminated (liquid)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Quick drench (liquid)
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately (liquid)
Skin:Water flush immediately (liquid)
Breathing:Respiratory support
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 1 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
Up to 2 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division