Here is a link to the CDC site specifically about phosgene. 

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/phosgene/basics/facts.asp

Note that it can be generated by heating chlorinated hydrocarbons which defines brake cleaner and refrigerants among many other things.  Also Polycarbonate Plastic (Lexan as in tail lights among many other parts) is reacted from phosgene and I would suspect that burning it will generate phosgene or something like it.

Doug T

The Highlands, Louisville, Ky.

Wow, So sorry to hear Bill. My heartfelt condolences are with you. I have it posted in my shop and had everyone who came in today read it. sincere thanks for the heads up. Keep us posted on the autopsy outcome.

Regards,

Bill

55 Vicky & customline

58 Rack Dump, 55 F350 yard truck, 57 F100

59 & 61 P 400's, 58 F100 custom cab, 69 F100, 79 F150, 82 F600 ramp truck, 90 mustang conv 7 up, 94 Mustang, Should I continue?

I notice the Permatex RTV prep instructions describe their brake cleaner as a "residue-free solvent". If no residue, then how can chemical reaction occur? Other brands NOT residue-free, maybe?

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

I am a welder,and I have never used brake cleaner to prep for welding,however I have had a can of carb cleaner expode after coming in contact with sparks from welding.Keep any arosole cans away from the welding area at all times.Welding galvanized is also an easy way to mess up a good day.

55 fairlane gasser 312 /c4, 57 f100 292/c4, 52 mainline gasser 302/t10 4speed

Another metal coating that is very toxic when heated is Cadmium plating. It's that gold colored coating found on bolts etc.

Paul

Bill,



Very sorry to read the sad news. My condolences to you and his family.



Mark

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

Bill,

Terribly sorry to hear of your friend's death

However, we all owe you a debt of gratitude for the heads

up regarding the use of cleaning chemicals when welding.

I will post your warning in my shop , as well.

55f100

West Monroe,La.

Bill, Sorry to hear that your friend passed. Very unfortunate.



Maybe his passing and you bringing this to the attention of all of us that use chemicals and weld will save others.



I believe someone mentioned the use of the MSDS. Please always check the MSDS of the chemicals you use, most are available online.

BOB

Sorry to hear that Bill, our prayers to his family.

   God Bless.   Tim                           http://yblockguy.com/

350ci Y-Block FED "Elwood", 301ci Y-Block Unibody LSR "Jake", 312ci Y-Block '58 F-100, 338ci Y-Block powered Model A Tudor

tim@yblockguy.com  Visalia, California    Just west of the Sequoias

Bill, we send our condolences. Do keep us informed about the situation and what the doctors' find concerning the cause. Though we all need to be reminded about chemical safety, none of us would ever think that it would take this drastic and this horrible of an event to keep us conscious about what these products are capable of if we are not careful. I, for one, am truly sorry.

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com