PHOSGENE

SAFETY DATA SHEET Date: May 1990

SECTION 1. MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION
MATERIAL NAME: PHOSGENE
DESCRIPTION: Supplied as a liquid under its own vapor pressure in steel cylinders. (Also can be formed by high
energy oxidation of chlorinated hydrocarbons.)
OTHER DESIGNATIONS: Carbon Oxychloride, Carbonyl Chloride, Chloroformyl Chloride, COCl2, CAS #000 075 445
SECTION II. INGREDIENTS AND HAZARDS % HAZARD DATA
Phosgene 99 8-hr TWA 0.10 ppm*
Or 0.4 mg/m3
*Current (1979) ACGIH TLV. NIOSH has recommended a Ceiling Level of 0.2 ppm Rat, inhalation
(15 minute sample) in addition to a 10-hr TVA of 0.1 ppm and an Occupational LCL 50 ppm/30 min
Exposure Level of 0.05 ppm. Human, inhalation
TCL 25 ppm/30 min
(Irritant effects)
SECTION III. PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling point, 1 atm, deg C ---------- 8.2 Specific gravity, 19/4 C ----------- 1.4
Vapor pressure at 20 C, mm Hg ---- 1180 Freezing point, 1 atm, deg C ---- -127.8
Vapor density (Air=1) ----------------- 3.4 Critical pressure, atm ------------- 56
Viscosity at 20 C, cps, gas ------------ 0.011 Critical temperature, deg C ----- 181.9
liquid ----------- 0.47 Molecular weight ------------------ 98.9
Appearance & Odor: A colorless gas with a sweet characteristic odor of musty hay at 0.5 to 1.0 ppm and a
pungent, irritating odor at 2 ppm. Do not rely on odor for a warning of unsafe conditions (rapid olfactory
fatigue occurs), but immediate corrective action or Withdrawal is indicated if odor detected!
SECTION IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA LOWER UPPER
Flash Point and Method Autoignition Temp. Flammability Limits in Air

Extinguishing Media: Phosgene is not flammable. Use media appropriate for the surrounding fire. If feasible,
remove phosgene cylinders from fire exposure area in a safe manner. Cool fire-exposed cylinders with a water
spray to help prevent pressure rupture. When heated in a fire situation, phosgene can decompose to a mixture
of chlorine and CO. Sodium hydroxide and ammonia have been used to decompose and neutralize phosgene.
Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece and special protective clothing.
SECTION V. REACTIVITY DATA
Phosgene is stable in closed containers under normal handling and use conditions. It does not polymerize, but it
will undergo thermal decomposition to Cl2 and CO beginning at 300 C, with complete dissociation at 800 C.
It reacts with active hydrogens, such as -OH and -NH (i.e., water, ammonia, alcohols, phenols, amines, etc.).
With phosgene, powdered aluminum burns, sodium vapor can react with luminescence at 260 C, and potassium
can explode when subject to shock.
Isopropyl alcohol reacts with phosgene to produce HCl and isopropyl chloroformate which can decompose or
explode in the presence of iron salts.
Moisture reacts with phosgene to produce CO2 and HCl which can be corrosive. Dry phosgene is not corrosive to
carbon steel.
SECTION VI. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION TLV 0.1 ppm
This poisonous gas has an irritant effect on the eyes, skin, respiratory tract and especially the lungs. The onset
of severe lung symptoms can be slow (2-24 hours delay after acute exposure). Chronic low level exposure
(0.5-3 ppm), causing lung damage, may be tolerated. Inhalation at >4-5 ppm causes coughing and throat & eye
irritation. 10 ppm for 1 minute can be severely irritating to the lungs, and >50 ppm may be fatal. Some systemic
effects may occur at high exposures. Symptoms can include lachrymation, coughing (bloody sputum), weakness,
vomiting and cyanosis. Lung irritation results in pulmonary edema, which can be fatal if severe, depending on
the time & level of exposure.
FIRST AID: (Caution! Rescuers must use protective equipment.)
Contact with liquid: Remove victim from contaminated area. Remove clothing under a deluge safety shower.
Flush eyes & skin thoroughly with lots of running water, as needed. Get medical help. Treat contact area of
skin as a burn. Treat for phosgene inhalation.
Inhalation: Remove victim from contaminated area, minimizing his physical exertions. Restore and/or support
breathing, as required; have trained person administer oxygen. Keep victim warm and at rest. Contact
physician promptly! Call ambulance.
All those exposed should be medically observed for at least 24 hr for onset of symptoms.
SECTION VII. SPILL, LEAK, AND DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
Establish emergency plans where phosgene is used. Notify safety personnel of leaks or spills. Exclude from area all
except assigned, trained workers who have proper protective gear. Provide optimum exhaust ventilation. Shut
off flow. Prevent liquid phosgene from entering drains or sewers. If leak is extensive, keep upwind and above
leakage and warn those in the path of the fumes. Ammonia gas is reported to have been successfully used to
decompose and neutralize phosgene in emergency situations.
DISPOSAL: Pass controlled discharges of phosgene through a scrubbing tower, maintaining a 10% sodium
hydroxide solution to decompose COCl2 and convert to an alkaline chloride salt solution for disposal. Remove
and isolate leaky cylinders, (whose flow cannot be stopped) in an exhaust scrubber hood for discharge. Follow
Federal, State, and Local regulations.
SECTION VIII. SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Phosgene should be used in closed systems; provide efficient exhaust ventilation to keep worker exposure below
the TLV. (Exhausted air should be scrubbed with an alkaline solution to prevent release of phosgene into the
environment.) For nonroutine or emergency exposure above the TLV use air-supplied or self-contained
breathing equipment a full facepiece is needed above 1 ppm. Respirators must be available nearby, but away
from, phosgene use area for emergencies.
Workers need protection against skin or eye contact with liquid or vapors, rubber gloves and apron and safety
goggles as a minimum, with additional protection as conditions require. Store emergency equipment and
clothing outside phosgene use area.
An eyewash station and safety shower must be near, but just outside of, the area where phosgene exposure is
possible.
Preplacement and annual medical exams should be given all workers occupationally exposed to phosgene with
particular attention to pulmonary function. Maintain records. Workers with lung problems should not work with
phosgene until approved by a physician.
Monitor workplace for phosgene; consider use of automatic warning system.
SECTION IX. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS AND COMMENTS
Store in a dry, well-ventilated, low fire-risk area, away from sources of heat and combustible materials (outside
storage preferable). Follow safety precautions for a toxic, corrosive, liquefied gas in cylinders or tanks under
pressure. Protect containers against physical damage. Properly label phosgene containers and placard storage,
handling and use areas.
Only trained workers should be allowed to work with phosgene; a high level of hazard awareness must be
maintained. Institute a continuing educational program.
Prevent contact with liquid or inhalation of vapors. Adequate ventilation is required where handled or used.
Chronic inhalation of phosgene above the TLV may eventually cause fibrosis and emphysema in the lungs.
DOT Classification - POISON A.
DATA SOURCE(S) CODE: 1-4,11,15,17-19, 23,25-27,31

Note: safety data sheets do not include important reactivity data.