The Check Air Color Comparator is a handheld accessory used with colorimetric badges to quantify exposure to toxic phosgene gas by matching the badge's color change to a corresponding color wheel, providing a dose reading (ppm·min) without lab analysis, ideal for personnel or area monitoring where instant, visual indication of hazardous levels is needed. The Color change for Phosgene is from yellow to red and may be used for personnel or area monitoring for exposure times from 1 minutes to 3 days. For higher resolution, the color comparator can be used with the SafeAir phosgene Dura-Badge (part number: 382065-50).

Introduction

Phosgene is a colorless, highly toxic gas with an odor resembling moldy hay. It is an insidious poison. There is no immediate irritation even when fatal concentrations are inhaled. It may cause severe pulmonary edema (abnormal fluid build up in the lungs) or pneumonia. Inhalation of high concentrations causes choking, painful breathing and coughing. OSHA PEL (permissible) exposure limit for phosgene is 0.1 ppm (averaged over an 8-hour work shift). NIOSH IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) exposure limit for phosgene is 2 ppm.

Phosgene is used in the manufacturing of numerous organic chemicals. It is also used in the production of glass, resins, dyes and plastics.

1. Badge Exposure: A SafeAir/ChromAir phosgene badge is worn or placed in an area. It changes color upon exposure to phosgene.
2. Comparator Use: The exposed badge is inserted into the comparator device, which features a rotating wheel with different color standards.
3. Color Matching: You turn the wheel until the color on the badge matches a color on the comparator.
4. Dose Reading: The exposure dose (e.g., from 0.5 to 450 ppm·min) is then read from a window on the comparator. 

• Visual Indicator: Detects the colorless, insidious phosgene gas.
• Dose Measurement: Quantifies exposure levels (ppm·min) for a more precise reading than the badge alone.
• No Lab Needed: Offers immediate, on-site results.
• Versatile: Used for personnel safety (badges clip to clothing) or area monitoring. 

Phosgene Information