Environmental Protection Agency
Skip common site navigation and headers
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention
 
Begin Hierarchical Links EPA Home > CEPPO > EPCRA > Chemical Information > EHS > Quick Search Results > First Aid Guide for PHOSFOLAN End Hierarchical Links

 


Information provided for reference purposes
                   only

Note: This information is provided for reference purposes only. Although the information provided here was accurate and current when first created, it is now outdated.

Emergency First Aid Treatment Guide


PHOSFOLAN
947-02-4

This guide should not be construed to authorize emergency personnel to perform the procedures or activities indicated or implied. Care of persons exposed to toxic chemicals must be directed by a physician or other recognized authority.

SUBSTANCE CHARACTERISTICS:

Pure Form:Colorless to yellow solid.
Odor:
Commercial Forms:Emulsifiable concentrate, granules.
Use:Insecticide.
Other Names:Cyolene; American Cynamid 47031; Cayolan; Cyalan; imidocarbonic acid, phosphonodithio-, cyclic ethylene p, p-diethyl ester.
Personal Protective Equipment:See Chemical Profile Section VIII.


EMERGENCY LIFE-SUPPORT EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES THAT MAY BE REQUIRED:

Compressed oxygen, forced-oxygen mask, water, syrup of Ipecac, activated charcoal, saline cathartic or sorbitol, normal saline, D5W, Ringer's lactate, atropine, pralidoxime, diazepam, phenytoin, phenobarbital. PHOSFOLAN


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Note: Phosfolan is a cholinesterase inhibitor. Acute exposure to phosfolan may produce the following signs and symptoms: sweating, pinpoint pupils, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, profound weakness, muscle spasms, seizures, and coma. Mental confusion and psychosis may occur. Excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, and abdominal pain may also occur. The heart rate may decrease following oral exposure or increase following dermal exposure. Chest pain may be noted. Hypotension (low blood pressure) may be observed, although hypertension (high blood pressure) is not uncommon. Respiratory symptoms include dyspnea (shortness of breath), pulmonary edema, respiratory depression, and respiratory paralysis.


EMERGENCY LIFE-SUPPORT PROCEDURES:

Acute exposure to phosfolan may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.


INHALATION EXPOSURE:

1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to phosfolan. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 4. Rush to a health care facility. PHOSFOLAN

DERMAL/EYE EXPOSURE:

1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to phosfolan. 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible. 4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. 5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with water. 6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 7. Rush to a health care facility.

INGESTION EXPOSURE:

1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. 2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures. 3. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of phosfolan is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step 4. Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age. Warning: Ingestion of phosfolan may result in sudden onset of seizures or loss of consciousness. Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, PHOSFOLAN proceed to Step 4. The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal. 4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water. 5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults. 6. Rush to a health care facility.

 

CEPPO | Site Map

 
Begin Site Footer

EPA Home | Privacy and Security Notice | Contact Us