Phosgene Toxicity

Updated: Jul 28, 2021
  • Author: Paul P Rega, MD, FACEP; Chief Editor: Zygmunt F Dembek, PhD, MS, MPH, LHD  more...
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Overview

Practice Essentials

Phosgene is a highly toxic substance that exists as a gas at room temperature. Owing to its poor water solubility, one of the hallmarks of phosgene toxicity is an unpredictable asymptomatic latent phase before the development of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. See the image below.

Anteroposterior portable chest radiograph in a mal Anteroposterior portable chest radiograph in a male patient who developed phosgene-induced adult respiratory distress syndrome. Notice the bilateral infiltrates and ground-glass appearance Image courtesy of Fred P. Harchelroad, MD, and Ferdinando L. Mirarchi, DO.

Signs and symptoms

According to the National Institute for Occupations Safety and Health (NIOSH), a toxic level that can place a person’s life and well-being in jeopardy can be as low as 2 parts per million (ppm). [1] Exposure to moderate-to-high concentrations of phosgene (>3-4 ppm) can produce an immediate irritant reaction that typically lasts 3-30 minutes and includes the following:

  • Lacrimation
  • Conjunctival irritation/burning
  • Burning sensation in mouth/throat
  • Throat swelling/changes in phonation - May reflect laryngeal edema

Respiratory manifestations, which can develop relatively early at greater than 4.8 ppm, [2] usually do not develop until after a latent period lasting 4-24 hours postexposure. They consist of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Cough - Initially dry, then increasing frothy white/yellow sputum
  • Chest tightness, chest pain, or substernal burning
  • Dyspnea - Exertional early on, subsequently becomes present at rest
  • Altered taste sensation - If the patient is a smoker, metallic or unpleasant taste to cigarettes

Other signs and symptoms of this phase, which result primarily from hypoxemia or volume depletion, include the following:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Palpitations
  • Angina
  • Headache
  • Anorexia
  • Nausea, and vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Anxiety and sense of impending doom

On physical examination, respiratory findings may include the following:

  • Crackles on auscultation - Herald the onset of pulmonary edema
  • Cyanosis - Late finding
  • Thin, frothy white/yellow secretions
  • Wheezing
  • Tachypnea
  • Stridor
  • Accessory muscle use for respiratory effort

Cardiovascular findings may include the following:

  • Tachycardia
  • Hypotension - Late finding secondary to inflammation-mediated fluid diversion out of vascular system and into lung interstitium

Skin findings may include the following:

  • Cyanosis from pulmonary injury and resultant hypoxemia
  • Chemical burns from liquefied phosgene (although it also is considered a frostbite hazard in the compressed liquid form)

Three patients in China were exposed to an unknown concentration of phosgene gas in an industrial accident. Their immediate symptom was eye irritation, and they were properly decontaminated. However, the symptoms of cough, chest tightness, and dyspnea did not occur until 8-12 hours later. [2]

In another recent incident, a young Indian worker was exposed to phosgene gas at a pesticide manufacturing factory. Initial symptoms consisted of lacrimation, nausea, and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat with a dry cough. Six hours post exposure he began experiencing breathlessness. Twenty-four hours after exposure, he developed acute respiratory distress (pulse, 130/minute; respiratory rate, 36/minute; blood oxygen saturation [SpO2], 80% on room air), which ultimately required invasive airway management. [3]

See Clinical Presentation for more detail.

Diagnosis

No test is diagnostic. [1] In addition, for patients who are asymptomatic despite a known recent phosgene exposure, no combination of laboratory or radiographic studies has been shown to discriminate reliably between those who remain asymptomatic and those who are in the latent phase and will later develop life-threatening pulmonary edema.

Useful tests include the following:

  • Pulse oximetry: Hypoxemia heralds onset of pulmonary edema
  • Arterial blood gases
  • CBC: Baseline study
  • Electrolytes: Baseline study
  • Cardiac enzymes: If cardiogenic pulmonary edema is strongly suspected

Findings on chest radiography are as follows:

  • Initial films may be normal
  • Early changes include hyperinflation and hilar enlargement
  • Later changes are typical for noncardiogenic pulmonary edema

See Workup for more detail.

Management

Treatment that should be performed in the prehospital setting includes the following:

  • Patients exposed to liquid phosgene: Decontamination
  • Patients with ocular exposure: Eye flushes with saline or plain water for at least 15 minutes
  • Patients with dyspnea or chest tightness: Supplemental oxygen, cardiac monitor, symptomatic therapy, and expeditious transportation to a healthcare facility

In case of asymptomatic patients with suspected exposure to phosgene, monitor the patient for a minimum of 8-12 hours (many authors recommend 12-24 h [1] ) because of the potential for delayed-onset pulmonary edema. Reassess patients at least every 2 hours during the first 6 hours after exposure. Criteria for discharge after this observation time are as follows:

  • No symptoms
  • Clear lung ausculatory examination
  • Normal respiratory rate
  • Normal oxygen saturation
  • Normal chest radiograph

Treatment for symptomatic patients is as follows:

  • Focus on airway, breathing, and circulation
  • Proceed rapidly to intubation if necessary
  • Provide supplemental oxygen for dyspnea, hypoxia, or crackles
  • Provide positive-pressure ventilation
  • High inspired concentrations of oxygen and high PEEP settings may be necessary
  • Treat bronchospasm with standard doses of inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled anticholinergic agents such as albuterol and ipratropium bromide

Corticosteroids have been studied in various animal models and human cases, and no clear-cut evidence shows they are advantageous to the patient. [2, 3]

See Treatment and Medication for more detail.

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Background

Phosgene (COCl2) is a highly toxic gas or liquid that is classified as a pulmonary irritant. Exposure to phosgene gas produces delayed-onset noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Immediate symptoms may occur with concentrations as low as 2-3 ppm (throat and eye irritation). [1, 2] This can be followed by a latent period, the duration of which depends on exposure to the chemical. The major pulmonary effects follow. Exposures to 50 ppm may be rapidly fatal. Management of phosgene toxicity is supportive, as no specific antidote or effective elimination process exists.

Phosgene is produced and utilized across numerous industries for chemical synthetic processes. Large-scale exposure may occur through industrial accidents. Small-scale exposures most often occur when phosgene is released by heating chlorinated hydrocarbons. Phosgene has been used in the past as a chemical weapon by warring nations and extremist groups. It could potentially be used as a weapon of mass destruction by any group with simple chemical synthetic capabilities or with the means to sabotage an existing industrial phosgene source.

The British chemist John Davy first synthesized phosgene in 1812 by combining chlorine gas and carbon monoxide with activated charcoal as a catalyst (CO + Cl2 → COCl2). [2] Synonyms for phosgene include the following:

  • Carbonic dichloride
  • Carbon oxychloride
  • Carbonyl dichloride
  • Chloroformyl chloride
  • D-stoff
  • Green Cross

The United Nations/Department of Transportation number for phosgene is UN#1076. The American Chemical Society's Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number for phosgene is #75-44-5.

Although it is typically colorless as a gas, phosgene may appear as a white cloud under conditions of concentrated release due to slow hydrolysis with airborne water vapor. Phosgene has a boiling point of 8°C (47°F) and thus exists as a gas at room temperature. Below the boiling point, it exists as a colorless fuming liquid. Vaporization is still significant at lower temperatures, making inhalational exposure possible even in cold conditions.

Phosgene is usually transported as a compressed liquefied gas. Direct contact with this form of the substance may produce frostbite injuries.

Although phosgene is nonflammable, it is strongly reactive and demonstrates electrophilic properties. It reacts with alkalis, ammonia, amines, copper, and aluminum. It can also attack plastics and rubber materials. Because phosgene is poorly soluble in water, it reacts minimally with oropharyngeal and conducting airway tissues and as a result can penetrate deeply into the lung, where it exerts its effects at the alveolar-capillary membrane (see Pathophysiology).

The odor of newly mown hay characterizes phosgene gas, but this olfactory warning signal may not be appreciated by all individuals. Since the odor detection threshold concentration is approximately 0.5-1.5 ppm, which is at least 5 times the permissive exposure limit of 0.1 ppm [4] set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), significant exposure may occur before any unusual scent is perceived.

This odor detection threshold approaches the NIOSH-defined immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) level of 2 ppm. [4] As a result, the odor of newly mown hay is an insufficient warning signal for dangerously high phosgene levels. [5] Other pulmonary irritant gases, such as chlorine, are so noxious that exposed persons flee the immediate area of release, but persons exposed to phosgene may inadvertently remain in a highly contaminated area, unaware that they are in any danger.

Because phosgene is 4 times denser than air, it tends to remain close to the ground and to collect in low-lying areas. This distribution of contamination should be considered when planning evacuation routes in the event of a phosgene release. Children may be at risk for higher exposure levels as a result of increased gas distribution closer to the ground. Children may also be at higher risk for severe exposure to this irritant gas due to their larger minute volume-to-weight ratios and their larger lung surface area–to–body weight ratios. Older people who have an inability to escape rapidly from the exposure also are at greater risk than the average younger adult.

Phosgene is used in the synthesis of plastics, pharmaceutical agents, isocyanates, polyurethanes, dyes, and pesticides. It is also used in the uranium enrichment process and in the bleaching of sand for glass production. Industries in the United States produce over 1 billion pounds of phosgene per year.

Unfortunately, industrial accidents involving phosgene are not uncommon. A phosgene-containing pipe rupture in 1994 in Yeochon, Korea, resulted in multiple injuries and 3 deaths. In 2000, a phosgene gas leak from a Thai plastics factory killed 1 person and injured 814 others. A laboratory accident involving inadvertent phosgene release in Fuzhou, China, in 2004 killed 1 person and injured more than 260 others.

Small-scale exposures to phosgene have also occurred, as phosgene is a product of thermal decomposition of chlorinated hydrocarbons. [6] Such agents include refrigeration coolants, dry cleaning fluids (carbon tetrachloride), metal degreasing agents (trichloroethylene), and paint strippers (methylene chloride). [7] When these chlorinated hydrocarbons are exposed to heat from a source such as a welding torch, a fire, or a heat gun, phosgene may be liberated.

Phosgene as a chemical weapon

Phosgene was used as a chemical weapon in World War I, first by the Germans and subsequently by French, American, and British forces. The term Green Cross derives from the marking on German artillery shells containing phosgene.

The initial World War I deployment of phosgene occurred when the Germans released approximately 4000 cylinders of gas against the British near Ypres on December 19, 1915. Because trench warfare typified much of World War I, heavier-than-air gases such as phosgene readily inflicted casualties in these low-lying areas.

From December 1915 to August 1916, casualties from phosgene exposure occurred in 4.1% of gas-exposed troops. Fatality from phosgene exposure occurred in 0.7% of gas-exposed troops. In this conflict, phosgene was often combined with chlorine in liquid-filled shells, so it is difficult to state the number of casualties and deaths attributable solely to phosgene. Total casualties from chemical gas exposure occurred in 1.2 million troops and caused 100,000 deaths. Phosgene accounted for an estimated 80% of these cases. [8]

Between the world wars, phosgene was assigned the military designation CG and was classified as a nonpersistent agent because of its rapid evaporation. Although stockpiled, it was never used in WW II. [1] In military publications, it has been referred to as a choking agent, pulmonary agent, or irritant gas.

The extremist cult Aum Shinrikyo used this agent to attack the Japanese journalist Shouko Egawa in 1994. Egawa had been reporting on the cult's activities, and the cult retaliated against her by introducing phosgene into her Yokohama apartment through the mail slot while she slept.

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Pathophysiology

Phosgene interacts with biological molecules through two primary reactions: hydrolysis to hydrochloric acid and acylation reactions. [2] Because phosgene is poorly soluble in water, the hydrolysis reaction (COCl2 + H2 O → CO2 + 2 HCl) contributes far less to the typical clinical presentation, but this reaction is likely responsible for the mucous membrane irritant effects observed with exposure to high concentrations of phosgene.

The acylation reactions occur with amino, hydroxyl, and sulfhydryl groups on biological molecules, which attack the highly electrophilic carbon molecule in phosgene. These reactions can result in membrane structural changes, protein denaturation, and depletion of lung glutathione. Acylation reactions may be particularly important with phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine, which is a major constituent of pulmonary surfactant and lung tissue membranes.

Studies in animal models have shown that exposure to phosgene vastly increases alveolar leukotrienes, which are thought to be important mediators of phosgene toxicity to the alveolar-capillary interface. Phosgene exposure also increases lipid peroxidation and free radical formation. These processes may lead to increased arachidonic acid release and thus provide more substrate for lipoxygenase (ie, more leukotriene production).

Levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6, are also found to be substantially higher 4-8 hours after phosgene exposure. [9] Sodium-potassium–adenosine triphosphatase (Na-K-ATPase) dysfunction, resulting in increased oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidants, has also been demonstrated in mice exposed to phosgene. [10]

In addition, studies have shown that phosphodiesterase activity increases postexposure, leading to decreased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Normal cAMP levels are believed to be important for maintenance of tight junctions between pulmonary endothelial cells and thus for prevention of vascular leakage into the interstitium.

On a physiologic level, the most important clinical effect of phosgene toxicity is the development of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema resulting from increased pulmonary vascular permeability due to the damaged alveolar-capillary interface. Up to 1 L/h of serum may leak out the circulation and into the alveolar septa.

Similar to other pathologic processes resulting in noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, this state is characterized by heavy, wet lungs that have low compliance. Oxygenation and ventilation both suffer, and the work of breathing is dramatically increased.

Arterial blood gases after severe phosgene exposure demonstrate low PaO2, decreased oxygen saturation, and often a respiratory acidosis due to impaired gas exchange. Pulmonary function tests show a markedly decreased vital capacity and an overall restrictive pattern. Alveoli may collapse, resulting in significant ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, unless the patient receives ventilatory support with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)

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Etiology

Phosgene exposure may result from any of the following [11] :

  • Small-scale accidental exposure involving the heating of chlorinated hydrocarbons
  • Fire exposure
  • Industrial accident
  • Industrial sabotage
  • Release as a weapon of mass destruction by extremist groups

Current literature describes exposures caused by the combustion products from chlorinated chemicals (eg, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene). [6] For example, use of methylene chloride, a commonly used chemical paint remover, near a heat source allows the release of phosgene. Phosgene is a breakdown product of chloroform that is stored for more than 6 months, even if the chloroform is stabilized with amylene.

Welding metals recently treated with degreasers, such as trichloroethylene, may produce phosgene. [12, 13, 14] Solvents used for degreasing purposes should be stored more than 200 feet from a welding arc, as the exposure to ultraviolet light can create phosgene by photodegradation. Phosgene exposure can also occur during the manufacture of aniline dyes, coal tar, certain resins, pesticides, polyurethane, and some pharmaceuticals. [3]

Any release of phosgene as a weapon of mass destruction would likely produce large numbers of casualties presenting simultaneously with similar symptoms. However, a large industrial accident could result in similar patient arrival patterns.

The use of phosgene as chemical warfare in a traditional military conflict is essentially of historical interest. The development of more effective agents and improved personal protective equipment make phosgene an unlikely agent to be used in future battles. Even in World War I, the German army switched to mustard gas in 1917 because of the development of effective gas masks.

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Epidemiology

According to OSHA, millions of kilograms of phosgene are produced annually, with 10,000 workers at risk of exposure. This does not include the large number of people that may have mild-to-moderate exposures in their homes from using solvents (eg, methylene chloride) with heat guns to remove paint.

Nevertheless, clinically significant phosgene exposure occurs infrequently. Sporadic exposures in recent years are related to industrial accidents or isolated. [15] In view of currently available war gases, which are much more lethal than phosgene, and improved respiratory protection, military use of phosgene is no longer considered a significant threat.

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Prognosis

One of the hallmarks of phosgene toxicity is an unpredictable asymptomatic latent phase before the development of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Typically, the latent phase lasts 3-24 hours, but it may be as short as 30 minutes or as long as 48 hours after phosgene exposure. The duration of the latent phase is an extremely important prognostic factor for the severity of the ensuing pulmonary edema.

Patients with a latent phase of less than 4 hours before the onset of pulmonary edema have a poor prognosis. [8] Increased physical activity may shorten the duration of the latent phase and worsen the overall clinical course. Unfortunately, there are no reliable historical or physical examination findings during the latent phase to predict its duration.

Patients who survive the first 48 hours after phosgene exposure have a generally excellent prognosis. Clinical and radiographic improvement often occurs in 3-5 days. Patients who remain significantly ill beyond 5 days should be evaluated for a concurrent disease process such as superimposed infection. No data suggest carcinogenicity or reproductive/developmental hazards in association with phosgene exposure.

Many patients report ongoing exertional dyspnea for months or even years after phosgene exposure despite normalized chest radiographs. Some patients may develop reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS), which is an irritant-induced reactive airway process. These patients may benefit from follow-up pulmonary function testing 2-3 months after phosgene exposure, possibly to include a methacholine challenge test.

Chronic low level exposure to phosgene (< 0.1 ppm) in a cohort of almost 800 workers at a uranium enrichment facility during World War II resulted in no documented increase in all-cause mortality or respiratory causes of mortality in 35 years of follow-up when matched with unexposed control workers at the same facility.

Mortality/Morbidity

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit (OSHA PEL) for the workplace is 0.1 ppm (0.4 mg/m) as an 8-hour time weighted average. The level immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) is 2 ppm. Even a short exposure to 50 ppm may result in rapid fatality.

Another means to assess exposure and potential complications is using the inhaled dose instead of concentration alone. An inhaled dose of greater than 25 ppm-min leads to subclinical biochemical lung alterations, greater than 150 ppm-min causes overt alveolar edema, greater than 300 ppm-min is possibly lethal, and the level with 50% mortality is about 500 ppm-min. [5]

Morbidity and mortality are related to the degree of pulmonary insult and subsequent hypoxemia. Delayed diagnosis may result from delayed signs and symptoms. Underlying medical conditions contribute to the patient's ability to withstand the hypoxic insult. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema have been reported as a result of phosgene exposure. [16]

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Patient Education

In the case of isolated exposures, instruct patients to avoid future exposures and to educate others involved in similar practices. Patients should minimize exertion for several weeks. Determining factors for return to the emergency department should include cough recurrence, dyspnea (especially resting dyspnea), and chest discomfort.

Resources are available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). For patient education information, see Chemical Warfare, Personal Protective Equipment, and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. [6]

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