Phosgene oxime facts for kids
Phosgene oxime, also known as dichloroformoxime or CX, is a very dangerous chemical weapon. It's a type of "nettle agent," which means it can cause a lot of pain and damage to your skin and other body parts, similar to how a nettle plant stings. Scientists first created this chemical in 1929.
When CX is a solid, it doesn't have any color. But when it turns into a liquid, it looks yellow-brown. It also has a very strong and unpleasant smell. The chemical formula for phosgene oxime is CCl2NOH. This chemical has no helpful uses, so people don't usually come across it by accident. If someone is exposed to CX, it's almost always because it was used as a weapon.
What Happens if Someone is Exposed to CX?
Phosgene oxime is very poisonous. It can harm you if you breathe it in, swallow it, or if it touches your skin. The signs of poisoning show up very quickly, sometimes in just a few seconds.
- Breathing it in: If you breathe in CX, it can hurt your lungs. This can lead to a condition where fluid builds up in your lungs, making it very hard to breathe.
- On the skin: If CX gets on your skin, it can cause itchy red bumps, like hives. It can also cause the skin tissue to die, which is very serious.
- In the eyes: CX can make your eyes water a lot. It can even cause serious damage and lead to blindness.
