Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Phosgene is a colorless gas that was used as a war gas. It may form during decomposition at higher temperatures of solvents: trichlorethylene (tri) and carbon tetrachloride (tetra). The latter is used for fire extinguishers, which creates the risk of poisoning while extinguishing the fire.
Symptoms of poisoning
Phosgene directly damages the alveolar epithelium. At high concentrations, death occurs within minutes of suffocation symptoms before a complete picture of pulmonary edema develops. At lower concentrations, only the conjunctiva and upper respiratory mucosa are irritated at first, while pulmonary edema occurs after a latency period of several hours. These are generally severe forms of edema that are difficult to control, and leave permanent damage if they survive.
First aid
Providing complete peace and warmth even without any physical symptoms; securing basic life activities; oxygen administration. Anyone who has had contact with phosgene must be referred to the hospital and remain under strict medical supervision for at least one day.
Read also: Hydrogen sulfide poisoning