Phosgene facts for kids
Phosgene is a chemical gas with the formula COCl2. This gas has no color. It was used as a weapon during World War I. It caused most of the deaths related to poison gas in that war. Today, phosgene is used as a tool in organic synthesis, which is how scientists build new chemical compounds. When there is a small amount in the air, it can smell like freshly cut hay or grass. Some soldiers during World War I said it smelled a little like May Blossom. Small amounts of phosgene can also be released when certain chlorine compounds burn or break down.
How Phosgene is Used Today
Today, most phosgene is used to make chemicals called isocyanates. The most important ones are toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). These are used to create polyurethanes. Polyurethanes are materials found in many things, like foam in furniture, insulation, and even some types of glue.
Large amounts of phosgene are also used to make polycarbonates. Polycarbonates are strong, clear plastics. They are made when phosgene reacts with another chemical called bisphenol A. You can find polycarbonates in many everyday items, like lenses in eyeglasses, CDs, DVDs, and even some car parts.
Staying Safe from Phosgene
Phosgene is a very strong poison. Its smell might not be easily noticed. Signs of exposure can sometimes appear slowly, hours after someone has been near it.
People can start to smell phosgene at 0.4 parts per million. This amount is four times higher than what is considered a safe limit for exposure. Phosgene is very dangerous because it harms the proteins in the tiny air sacs of the lungs, called alveoli. These sacs are where oxygen moves from the air into your blood. When they are damaged, it becomes very hard for your body to get oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. This makes breathing very difficult. People who work with phosgene often wear special badges that can detect the gas to keep them safe.
If phosgene spills, Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can be used to make it harmless. For gas leaks, a special liquid spray containing ammonia can be used to neutralize it.
Images for kids
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A patient affected by phosgene gas, from an atlas on gas poisoning.
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See also
In Spanish: Fosgeno para niños
