Formation of phosgene during welding activities in an atmosphere containing chlorinated hydrocarbons

The formation of phosgene During welding activities in an atmosphere containing chlorinated hydrocarbons was investigated. Four different chlorinated hydrocarbons were studied under laboratory conditions. Results are presented as time-averaged phosgene concentration in a total volume of 250 L of air being purged through a 52-L reaction vessel during 20 min. It was found that the formation of phosgene was in the order dichloromethane < Freon-22 < carbon tetrachloride << trichoroethylene. Local concentrations may be higher depending on dispersion phenomena. The interpretation in terms of occupational health was rather difficult because of the interaction with smoke particles and because of possible nonhomogeneous dispersion of phosgene around the workers. In the case of dichloromethane and carbon tetrachloride the short-term maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of phosgene was not attained at the respective MAC values of the chlorinated hydrocarbons themselves. In the case of trichloroethylene and Freon-22, however, the short-term MAC-value of phosgene was attained even when the concentration was still much below the respective MAC-values.