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What phosgene
oxime is
- Phosgene oxime
is a manufactured chemical warfare agent.
- Phosgene oxime
is a type of agent called an urticant or nettle agent. This is because on
contact with the skin, it produces intense itching and a rash similar to hives.
- Phosgene oxime
is also referred to as a corrosive agent because of the type of skin and tissue
damage it causes.
- Phosgene oxime
was first produced in 1929, but it has never been used on the battlefield.
Specific information on this chemical is very limited.
- Phosgene oxime
is colorless in its solid form and yellowish-brown when it is a liquid.
- Phosgene oxime
has a disagreeable, irritating odor.
- Phosgene oxime
is also known by its military designation, “CX.”
Where
phosgene oxime is found and how it is used
- Although phosgene
oxime has been produced only as a chemical warfare agent, it has never been
used during wartime.
- Phosgene oxime
is not found naturally in the environment.
- Phosgene oxime
vapor is heavier than air, so it will settle in low-lying areas.
- Phosgene oxime
does not last in the environment for very long. It breaks down in soil within
2 hours when temperatures are normal, and it breaks down in water within a
few days.
How people
can be exposed to phosgene oxime
- People’s
risk for exposure depends on how close they are to the place where the
phosgene oxime was released.
- If phosgene
oxime gas is released into the air, people can be exposed through skin contact
or eye contact. They may also be exposed by breathing air that contains phosgene
oxime.
- If phosgene
oxime liquid is released into water, people can be exposed by touching or
drinking water that contains phosgene oxime.
- If phosgene
oxime liquid comes into contact with food, people can be exposed by eating
the contaminated food.
- People can
be exposed directly by coming in contact with liquid phosgene oxime
How phosgene
oxime works
- The extent
of poisoning that phosgene oxime causes depends on the amount of phosgene
oxime to which a person is exposed, how the person is exposed, and the length
of time of the exposure.
- Phosgene oxime
produces instant and almost unbearable pain on exposed skin and exposed eyes.
When inhaled, it causes immediate irritation to the respiratory (breathing)
tract.
- Phosgene oxime
can penetrate clothing and rubber faster than other chemical warfare agents.
Immediate
signs and symptoms of phosgene oxime exposure
- Signs and symptoms
occur immediately following a phosgene oxime exposure.
- Phosgene oxime
can have the following effects on specific parts of the body:
- Skin:
pain occurring within a few seconds, and blanching (whitening) of the
skin surrounded by red rings occurring on the exposed areas within 30
seconds. Within about 15 minutes, the skin develops hives. After 24 hours,
the whitened areas of skin become brown and die, and then a scab is formed.
Itching and pain may continue throughout the healing process.
- Eyes:
severe pain and irritation, tearing, and possibly temporary blindness.
- Respiratory
tract: immediate irritation to the upper respiratory tract, causing
runny nose, hoarseness, and sinus pain. Absorbing phosgene oxime through
the skin or inhaling it may result in fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
with symptoms of shortness of breath and cough.
- Digestive
tract: no information exists on digestive tract effects in humans.
- Showing these
signs or symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has been exposed
to phosgene oxime.
What
the long-term health effects may be
No information
is available on the long-term health effects of phosgene oxime in humans.
How people
can protect themselves, and what they should do if they are exposed to phosgene
oxime
- Leave the area
where the phosgene oxime was released and get to fresh air. Quickly moving
to an area where fresh air is available is highly effective in reducing exposure
to phosgene oxime.
- If the
phosgene oxime release was outdoors, move away from the area where the
phosgene oxime was released. Go to the highest ground possible, because
phosgene oxime is heavier than air and will sink to low-lying areas.
- If the
phosgene oxime 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 oxime 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 people from any chemicals that
might be on their 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 any liquid phosgene oxime from your skin with large
amounts of soap and water. Washing with soap and water will help protect
you and other people from any chemicals on your body.
- 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 before rinsing your eyes, and place them in the bags with the contaminated clothing. Do not put the contacts back in your eyes. You should dispose of them even if you do not wear disposable contacts. 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 oxime, do not induce vomiting or drink fluids.
- Seek medical
attention right away. Dial 911 and explain what has happened.
How phosgene
oxime exposure is treated
- No antidote
exists for phosgene oxime. Treatment consists of removing the phosgene oxime
from the body as soon as possible and providing supportive medical care in
a hospital setting.
How people
can get more information about phosgene oxime
People can contact
one of the following:
- Regional poison
control center (1-800-222-1222)
- Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)
- Public
Response Hotline
- English
(888) 246-2675
- Español
(888) 246-2857
- TTY
(866) 874-2646
-
Emergency Preparedness and Response Web site
- E-mail
inquiries: cdcresponse@ashastd.org
- Mail inquiries:
Public Inquiry c/o BPRP
Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Planning
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mailstop C-18
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30333
- Agency for
Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) (1-888-422-8737)
- E-mail
inquiries: atsdric@cdc.gov
- Mail inquiries:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-29
Atlanta, GA 30333
This
fact sheet is based on CDC’s best current information. It may be updated
as new information becomes available.
Last reviewed
on 03/18/03.
The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and
safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health
decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes
healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international
organizations.
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