Phosgene Gas
Exposures
- World War I Wartime Exposure
- Thermal or Ultraviolet Breakdown Product of Chlorinated Solvents (Such as Methylene Chloride)
- Common Exposure from Welding Metals “Degreased” with Solvents
Physiology
Phosgene Gas Inhalation
- Phosgene Gas is Not Acutely Irritating
- Low Water Solubility: may result in longer exposure and delayed injury to bronchioles and alveoli
Diagnosis
- May Be Necessary to Rule Out Airway Injury
Clinical Manifestaions
General Comments
Delayed Onset of Symptoms
- Symptoms Appear 12-24 hrs After Inhalational Exposure
Pulmonary Manifestations
- Epidemiology
- Pathology: diffuse alveolar damage
Treatment
- May Be Beneficial in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), But are Unproven
References