THE EFFECTS OF PHOSGENE ON PLANTS, SOILS AND FOODSTUFFS

8 THE EFFECTS OF PHOSGENE ON PLANTS, SOILS AND FOODSTUFFS 2.8.7 Effect of phosgene on seed germination and plants 

The consequences of phosgene exposure for seed germination have been investigated by Neifert and Garrison (see Table 2.10). There was a deleterious effect on most seeds tested, in particular, muskmelon, wheat and millet. However, it did appear to have a slight 

Seed type % Change in germination rate for 3% phosgene exposure 

Phosgene appears to have a generaily damaging effect on plant life, the extent of the damage being mainly dependent on the temperature and levels of sunlight [831-833]. 

Fuhr et at. [596] have investigated the absorption of phosgene by soil. The soil used had an average moisture content of 11% and the surface area exposed was approximately 1 m2. It was found that soil absorbed more than 99%, of the phosgene introduced, within forty minutes. Similar work by Griffon du Bellay and Houdord [828] also found soil to be 

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