What Is Phosgene?

Phosgene is a synthetic chemical compound and is not naturally occurring in the environment. However, it can be synthesized by combining carbon monoxide and chlorine in the presence of a catalyst or by oxidizing certain chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Phosgene is primarily manufactured in industrial settings for various applications, such as producing pesticides, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, it may be used as a reactive gas in certain metal cutting and welding processes.

Due to its highly toxic nature, phosgene is subject to rigorous safety regulations and handling procedures during production, use, and transport. This prevents exposure to workers, the public, and the environment, reducing the risk of adverse effects.

Mustard gas and phosgene gas are not the same. Mustard gas, also known as sulfur mustard, was used as a chemical weapon during World War I and is also a blister agent. It causes skin blisters, eye irritation, and respiratory problems.

On the other hand, phosgene gas is a choking agent used as a chemical weapon in the past. It causes respiratory problems and lung damage. Though both are harmful to humans, they have different chemical properties and effects on the body.

Phosgene is an extremely toxic chemical compound with significant health and environmental hazards. Exposure to phosgene can occur via inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. The severity of the effects depends on the duration and concentration of exposure.

Short-term exposure to phosgene can cause irritation and inflammation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, resulting in coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. In severe cases, acute exposure to high levels of phosgene can cause immediate respiratory distress, leading to lung damage and even death.

Long-term exposure to low levels of phosgene can cause chronic respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, and damage to the liver and kidneys. Furthermore, exposure to phosgene can lead to neurological effects such as memory loss and cognitive impairment. Phosgene is also a threat to the environment, particularly to aquatic life, and can cause severe harm to the ecosystem. As a result, strict regulations and safety measures are in place to manage the handling, use, and transport of phosgene, minimizing exposure, and reducing the risks to human health and the environment.

Phosgene exposure can lead to different symptoms; some may not manifest until several hours or days after exposure. That said, some common signs of phosgene exposure include the following:  

• difficulty breathing;
• shortness of breath;
• coughing or wheezing;
• chest tightness or pain;
• burning or irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat;
• nausea or vomiting;
• headache, confusion, or disorientation;
• fatigue or weakness; and
• blistering or burns on the skin.

If you suspect you have been exposed to phosgene, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Remember that even low exposure levels can lead to severe health effects.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fluid accumulation in the lungs, call for emergency medical services right away.

Then, quickly move to an area with fresh air, especially if the exposure occurred indoors.

Next, ventilate the affected area to clear the phosgene gas, remove any clothing or jewelry that may have come into contact with the gas, and dispose of them appropriately.

Avoid attempting to self-treat or induce vomiting, as this can worsen the situation. Also, refrain from eating or drinking anything until you get checked by a doctor.

Upon assessment, medical professionals will provide appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent further health complications.

Reporting any phosgene exposure to your workplace, local health department, or emergency services is crucial. This step can help prevent others from being exposed and enable proper investigation and follow-up measures.

Lastly, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. You may have a case against the party responsible for phosgene exposure.

Yes, you might be able to sue for damages if you have been exposed to phosgene. However, this depends on your specific case and the laws in the area (jurisdiction) where the exposure happened. If the exposure happened at work, you could file a workers' compensation claim or a lawsuit against your employer for not providing a safe work environment or being careless.

On the other hand, If the exposure is derived from a faulty product or equipment, you could file a product liability lawsuit against the maker or seller of the product. Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, you can also sue a third party, such as a supplier or contractor, whose actions led to the exposure.

For instance, phosgene is one of the harmful gasses released into some parts of East Palestine, Ohio, when a Norfolk Southern train derailed in the town on February 3, 2023. As a result, the town's residents may be able to file a class action lawsuit against Norfolk Southern, a legal process Morgan & Morgan has already embarked on.

Proving that you have been exposed to phosgene can be challenging. That said, there are ways to gather evidence to support your claim. For instance, medical records can provide evidence of the symptoms you experienced and any treatments you received after the exposure.

Additionally, suppose there were witnesses to the exposure. In that case, their statements can also support your claim. In a workplace setting, records such as safety reports, training records, and incident reports may provide valuable evidence.

Environmental testing can help detect the presence of phosgene in the air, water, or soil in the area where the exposure occurred. This evidence will then support your claim.

Expert testimony from medical professionals, industrial hygienists, and chemists can also provide valuable evidence. These experts can testify to the effects of phosgene exposure, its potential sources, and possible long-term effects.

The damages you can recover will depend on the laws in your jurisdiction and the specifics of your case. Here are some examples. You may receive compensation for the costs of medical treatment you need now or in the future due to the exposure. This can include doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation expenses.

Similarly, if the exposure prevented you from working, you might be able to recover compensation for your lost wages, salary, or other applicable employment benefits. You can also receive compensation for future lost income if the exposure has caused permanent disability, affecting your ability to work.

You may also recover damages for pain and suffering. This covers the physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the exposure. In addition, if your personal property was damaged due to exposure, you may recover compensation for the repair and replacement cost.

Lastly, you may recover punitive damages to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can assess your situation and help you understand your legal options. For example, you may need to file a class action lawsuit against the party responsible for phosgene exposure.

Alternatively, if your injuries are unique, you may need to pursue an individual claim for compensation. Since there is no one-fits-all approach to such cases, consulting an experienced attorney is the best and easiest way to understand your options.

An attorney can handle the complex legal process on your behalf, allowing you to focus on recovering. Keep in mind that the legal process can be challenging; it includes but is not limited to handling mountains of paperwork, collecting evidence, and negotiating with the other party involved. This can be helpful if you're still recuperating from your injuries and don't have the energy or time to manage the legal process yourself.

Moreover, the right phosgene lawsuit attorney will ensure that you understand your rights and defend them throughout the process. They will communicate with insurance firms, employers, and other parties involved in your case, keeping your best interests at heart.

Lastly, a seasoned attorney can help determine how much compensation you're eligible for and negotiate a settlement with the other party. However, the attorney may file a lawsuit against the other party if out-of-court negotiation is no longer an option.

The deadline also, known as the statute of limitations, depends on the specific details of your case and jurisdiction. It ranges from one to several years from the date of the injury or discovery. If you think you have been harmed by phosgene exposure, it's important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you figure out how much time you have to file your case and ensure you don't miss the deadline.

If you fail to file your case within the statute of limitations, you will lose your right to do so, making it almost impossible for an attorney to help.

Here’s one thing you need to know about phosgene lawsuits: these cases often involve large companies with the financial and legal muscle to push back against the injured. For this reason, you need an experienced law firm with the resources to fight for you or your loved one.

Specifically, you need a law firm with experience taking on the biggest bullies in the industry and holding them accountable for their actions or inaction. If that's what you're looking for, there's only one Morgan & Morgan, America's largest injury firm.

Our firm is not new to such cases; we also boast an impressive winning record. To put things into perspective, we helped our clients recover $1.8 billion in the Porter Ranch Gas Leak case in 2021 alone. In total, our firm has worked with over 300,000 clients and recovered over $20 billion for different cases.

 If you or someone you love is a victim of phosgene exposure, fill out our free case evaluation form. We may be able to fight for you.