The vapor is extremely irritating, and both vapor and liquid cause almost immediate tissue damage. The mechanism by which phosgene oxime causes biological effects is unknown. On the skin and all mucous membranes, CX liquid or vapor causes immediate pain on contact. Extreme pain may persist for days. It is irritating and painful to the eyes and upper airways.
Agent causes pulmonary edema after inhalation and after skin contact.
Some data suggest that CX may cause hemorrhagic inflammatory changes in the GI tract. This allows the red blood cells to acquire oxygen but prevents the transfer oxygen to other cells. Body tissue decays rapidly due to lack of oxygen and retention of carbon dioxide, first affecting the heart and then the brain. However, at high concentrations, cyanide kills quickly. Cyanides are in liquid state in munitions but rapidly vaporize upon detonation of the munitions.