Where It Comes From
Made and used in chemical manufacturing and research labs as a reactive intermediate/reagent [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Mainly by breathing vapors at work or during spills; it can also burn skin and eyes on contact. General public exposure is rare and usually linked to accidents near facilities or during transport [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
Can cause severe eye and skin burns, intense throat and lung irritation, and dangerous delayed lung injury (pulmonary edema) after inhalation. Fumes from reactions can be highly irritating (e.g., hydrogen chloride) [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Chemical and pharma workers, lab staff, transport and waste handlers, and emergency responders; people with asthma or lung disease may be more sensitive [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
At work, use closed systems, local exhaust, and proper PPE; have spill/first-aid plans. In a community incident, stay upwind, avoid fumes, follow local alerts, and shelter in place or evacuate as directed [1][2][3].
References
- [1]CDC/NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Ethyl chloroformate.
- [2]EPA/NOAA. CAMEO Chemicals: Ethyl chloroformate.
- [3]NIH/NLM. PubChem Compound Summary: Ethyl chloroformate.