A Study of the Ceiling Level of Phosgene
Abstract
Existing information on the toxicity of phosgene was reviewed and an estimate of the phosgene concentration which would have no deleterious effects on persons working regularly with the agent and on people living in the surrounding areas was developed in this report. A review of the literature since 1941 reveals no concentration of phosgene so low as not to cause pathologic changes in experimental animals. There are no data with which to correlate the toxicity of phosgene in man to that in laboratory animals at low concentrations, but estimates made during World War I are that the LCt50 for man is 3,200 mg min/cu m (2-min exposure). The threshold limit value (TLV) of phosgene adopted by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) for 1971 is 0.1 part per million (ppm) or 0.4 mg/cu m. This figure is based upon data obtained by the Chemical Warfare Service prior to 1921 that indicated 1 ppm of phosgene may be safe for prolonged exposure. After evaluating the available data, it is proposed that: (1) The concentration not to be exceeded during a daily 8-hour exposure of workers (healthy adults medically evaluated and cleared for duty) be established as 0.08 mg/cu m (0.02 ppm), and (2) The concentration not to be exceeded for the general population be established as 0.0025 mg/cu m (0.0006 ppm).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0759913
Entities
People
- Samuel A. Cucinell