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Brake Cleaner = Phosgene Article


Gayle Brooks

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Muriatic acid is commonly used to wash down masonry at construction sites and no special precautions are taken, it just runs on the ground. If it were so horrific I'm sure some gov't rep would be there to stop it.........zinc is really not a problem either, I just installed a kitchen counter top of pure zinc..............

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  • 6 years later...

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Informtion about phosgene.

Phosgene is ranked a 5 out of 7 in toxicity by the #Scorecard making it in the top ten percent of toxic substances. No antidote exists for phosgene.

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).

Phosgene gas is a byproduct of some refrigerants when they are exposed to an open flame, or extreme heat. Being extremely toxic in small amounts, phosgene formation was a real concern when traditional refrigerants (R11, R- 12, R- 113, R- 114 and others) decomposed.

The chemical in the brake cleaner is Tetrachloroethylene. When this chemical is exposed with excessive heat and argon (used in MIG and TIG welding) it also produces phosgene.

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Phosgene is also known as carbonyl chloride (COCL2). It is formed when chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds are exposed to high temperatures. Its boiling point is 8.2°C, making it an extremely volatile and non-persistent agent.

in case of phosgene exposure, one should leave the area of the phosgene release as quickly as possible. Remove clothing and wash entire body with soap or water and get to a medical care facility as quickly as possible.  Exposed clothing should be removed keeping it away from the head (cut off shirts if necessary rather than pull them off over the head) and should be sealed in a double plastic bag if possible.

If one has ingested phosgene, do not induce vomiting or drink any fluids. Treatment for phosgene centers around removing the phosgene from the body as quickly as possible because no antidote exists for phosgene.

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How people can protect themselves and what they should do if they are exposed to phosgene

  • Leave the area where the phosgene was released and get to fresh air. Quickly moving to an area where fresh air is available is highly effective in reducing the possibility of death from exposure to phosgene.
    • If the phosgene release was outdoors, move away from the area where the phosgene was released. Go to the highest ground possible, because phosgene is heavier than air and will sink to low-lying areas.
    • If the phosgene release was indoors, get out of the building.
  • If you think you may have been exposed, remove your clothing, rapidly wash your entire body with soap and water, and get medical care as quickly as possible.
  • Removing and disposing of clothing:
    • Quickly take off clothing that has liquid phosgene on it. Any clothing that has to be pulled over the head should be cut off the body instead of pulled over the head. If possible, seal the clothing in a plastic bag. Then seal the first plastic bag in a second plastic bag. Removing and sealing the clothing in this way will help protect you and other people from any chemicals that might be on your clothes.
    • If you placed your clothes in plastic bags, inform either the local or state health department or emergency personnel upon their arrival. Do not handle the plastic bags.
    • If you are helping other people remove their clothing, try to avoid touching any contaminated areas, and remove the clothing as quickly as possible.
  • Washing the body:
    • As quickly as possible, wash your entire body with large amounts of soap and water. Washing with soap and water will help protect people from any chemicals on their bodies.
    • If your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, rinse your eyes with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes. If you wear contacts, remove them and place them in the bags with the contaminated clothing. Do not put the contacts back in your eyes. If you wear eyeglasses, wash them with soap and water. You can put the eyeglasses back on after you wash them.
  • If you have ingested (swallowed) phosgene, do not induce vomiting or drink fluids.
  • Seek medical attention right away. Dial 911 and explain what has happened.

How phosgene exposure is treated

Treatment for phosgene exposure consists of removing phosgene from the body as soon as possible and providing supportive medical care in a hospital setting. No antidote exists for phosgene. Exposed people should be observed for up to 48 hours, because it may take that long for symptoms to develop or reoccur.

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  • 4 years later...

New member here and I realise this is an old post but I have more to add to this story.

So first of all, tetrachloroethylene goes by many names.  Chemically it is also known as perchloroethylene but it also goes by a number of "generic" names; dry cleaning fluid just being one.  In the workshop it has many uses and is not just found in brake cleaner.  Many metal degreasers contain it for instance - not just the aerosol ones either.

As to phosgene, this is produced when tetrachloroethylene is heated above 315 degrees Celcius (599 degrees Fahrenheit).  Importantly, Argon is NOT required for this to happen despite what is stated in the article quoted above.  Heat is all that's required.  This is why you do not go cleaning hot brakes.

Now, for all the smokers out there (I'm one too) there's an additional heads-up.  if you smoke while using a product containing tetrachloroethylene (or smoke in a area in which such a product has been recently used), with each inhalation you will draw tetrachloroethylene through the lit end where the heat will convert it to phosgene and deliver it straight to your lungs.  Wham!  Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.  You have been warned.

So, always read the label and consult the MSDS.  No exceptions.  Know what's in the product you're using.

Don't want to be the preachy new guy but hey, you're a long time dead!

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Welcome aboard Joel, glad to have you. There are other ways to be exposed to phosgene like burning plastics and rubbers. You can be exposed using a chlorinated solvent if someone is arc welding across the room. UV is high energy and will cause phosgene production in the vapors. 

It's nasty stuff, don't get it in you.

Frosty The Lucky.

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