| Chemicalll |
Description |
Chameleon Sensor Reaction |
| Concentration |
Reaction Time |
| Low pH (Acids) | Common acid gases
include hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydrofluoric acid and
nitric acid. Storage tank leaks in chemical plants and during
transportation result in exposure to acid vapors. Hydrochloric acid can
be released when PVC electric cable jacketing is burned. Fluorocarbon
refrigerants are non-flammable and non-explosive, but exposure to flames
or hot surfaces will cause these compounds to generate hydrochloric acid
and hydrofluoric acid. Household chemicals, when exposed to high heat
can also generate acid vapors. A growing source of exposure to acid
vapors occurs in clandestine methamphetamine laboratories. |
pH <5 | 3-5 minutes |
| Ammonia | According to the New York State
Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance Project, 24% of the
events associated with First Responder injuries were due to exposure to
ammonia. Ammonia’s primary uses are as an agricultural fertilizer and
refrigerant in cold storage facilities. Ammonia is also an ingredient in the
manufacture of gunpowder and sulfuric acid as well as illegal
methamphetamines. |
150 ppm | 1-3 minutes |
| High pH (Bases) | Common basic gases include
ammonia, hydrazine, 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, methylamine and allylamine.
Storage tank leaks in chemical plants and during transportation result in
exposure to basic vapors. Ammonia’s primary uses are as an agricultural
fertilizer and refrigerant in cold storage facilities. Ammonia is also an
ingredient in the manufacture of gunpowder and sulfuric acid as well as
illegal methamphetamines. |
pH > 8.5 | 1-3 minutes |
| Hydrogen Sulfide | Sources of hydrogen
sulfide include industrial activities, gas and oil drilling operations,
landfills and wastewater treatment facilities. Hydrogen sulfide is a
significant threat because it is released primarily as a gas and spreads in
the air. In addition, hydrogen sulfide remains in the atmosphere for about
18 hours. |
50 ppm | 3 minutes |
| Chlorine or Fluorine | Exposure to chlorine
gas can occur during the synthesis of other chemicals, bleaches and
disinfectants. Chlorine is a common industrial chemical and is used in most
water treatment facilities. Fluorine gas is very reactive and quickly
attacks all metals - steel wool may burst into flames when exposed to it.
Exposure to fluorine may occur during the synthesis of other chemicals.
Storage tank leaks in chemical plants and during transportation result in
exposure to chlorine and fluorine vapors. |
5 ppm | 4 minutes |
| Iodine | Exposure to iodine can occur during
the manufacture of iodine compounds, germicides and antiseptics as well as
in the manufacture of methamphetamines. Iodine is an irritant of the eyes,
mucous membranes and skin and may cause tightening of the chest and
difficult breathing. Concentrations of 1.6ppm have been shown to cause eye
irritation within 5 minutes. |
1 ppm | 5 minutes |
| Phosgene | According to a report by the
United Nations Environment Program, the International Labor Organization and
the World Health Organization, firefighters are at risk from phosgene formed
when chlorinated hydrocarbons and PVC are heated, such as during a fire or
welding process. Phosgene exposure may also occur from leaks at phosgene
producing facilities or during transportation. |
1 ppm | 5 minutes |
| Phosphine | Exposure to phosphine can occur
during the preparation of fumigants and flame retardants. Phosphine is
widely used by the semiconductor industry as a chemical doping agent for
electronic components. Phosphine is also released in the manufacture of
methamphetamines. Inhalation of phosphine may cause pain in the diaphragm,
nausea, and vomiting. Some effects, such as pulmonary edema, convulsions and
liver injury may appear or continue to be present days after exposure. |
25 ppm
0.6ppm | 2 minutes 12 minutes |
| Sulfur Dioxide | Sulfur dioxide is widely
used in bleaching and in the chemical manufacture of sulfuric acid.
Additionally, it has been used as a food preservative; particularly to
maintain the appearance of fruit. Sulfur dioxide is produced by combustion
of coal, fuel oil, and gasoline, since these fuels contain sulfur. It is a
dangerous air pollutant because of its corrosive properties; it irritates
the eyes, nose, and lungs. Exposure to sulfur dioxide may irritate the lungs
causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures may cause
pulmonary edema. |
50 ppm | 3 minutes |
| Toluene Diisocyanate | Toluene Diisocyanate
(TDI) is a common industrial chemical, used in numerous industries to
manufacture polyurethane foams and other elastomers. TDI exposure can occur
from industrial accidents or from accidents during transportation. It has
been reported that TDI could be released from burning polyurethane foam or
other materials. |
1.2 ppm | 3-4 minutes |
