I won the lottery

Originally Posted by ryanw

I had a few compressors from air conditioning units ignite like that before. I had thought maybe the smoke/vapor from burning plastic ignited. Whatever the reason, it always made me jump.

I saw a friend's price sheet from Schnitzer yesterday. Compressors $0.20/lob, motors $0.23/lb. Definitely no reason to cut those up anymore.

Not a good idea to cut compressors open there's usually enough freon in the oil that when it comes into contact with a flame phosphine gas is created - nerve gas WWI.

I've mentioned this hazard on this forum previously, the warning goes unheeded. I've grown tired of repeating myself, time for the members to step up and take responsibility for new members and advise them of the dangers of some of the chemicals we come across.


ACUTE PHOSGENE GAS EXPOSURE IN A 49-YEAR-OLD REFRIGERATOR TECHNICIAN

INTRODUCTION: Phosgene (carbonyl chloride) gas is of historical interest and has important industrial applications today. Historically, it was the most lethal of World War I war gases. It is estimated that nearly 80% of the poison gas deaths during that war were caused by phosgene exposure.

In the post 9/11 era, phosgene remains a potential, highly toxic chemical weapon.

Additionally, phosgene poses significant risk to some workers who may be occupationally exposed. This case report demonstrates a known hazard of refrigeration workers suffering phosgene poisoning after heating chlorinated fluorocarbons (Freons).

Another article, more in depth.

Phosgene Exposure

Definition

Phosgene is a chemical used in plastics and pesticides. It can also be made when chemicals with chlorine are broken down or burned. Phosgene exposure can happen when someone comes in contact with gas, liquid, or food that is contaminated with it.
Causes

People can be exposed by:

• Breathing air that has phosgene—phosgene is a gas at 68° Fahrenheit (20° Celsius)
• Liquid phosgene or water that has phosgene and touches the skin or eyes
• Eating foods or drinking water has liquid phosgene

Pathway to the Lungs

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in people who are near sources of phosgene, such as:

• Plastic and chemical plants
• Paint stripping
• Dry cleaning
• Fires fueled by plastic
• Use of solvents that have chlorine
• Metal cleaning
• Welding
• Industrial accidents
• Bioterrorism

Symptoms

The health problems from this will depend on how much phosgene was taken in and for how long. It also depends on the parts of the body that were harmed. Sometimes, lasting damage to tissue or death can happen.

The most common exposure is by breathing the gas. At first, it may only cause minor eye or throat problems. But problems tend to worsen and reappear over 48 hours.


Breathing problems are:

• Coughing
• Trouble breathing
• Choking
• Tightness in the chest
• Coughing up fluid that is pink in color

Skin problems are:

• Burning pain
• Swelling
• Blisters

Eye problems are watering or bleeding.
Common problems are headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked about your exposure to any chemicals. A physical exam will be done. A skin or eye exam may also be done.
Pictures may be taken of the lungs and the structures around it. This can be done with:

• X-rays
• CT scan

Treatment

There is no cure. Avoiding sources of phosgene may improve symptoms.
The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Choices are:

• Monitoring for health problems
• Supportive care, such as oxygen or help with breathing

Prevention

To lower the risk of this problem:

• Avoid sources of phosgene
• Wear a mask or respirator on the job
• Work in well-ventilated areas