Chloroacetyl chloride is a potent acylating agent. Exposure to Chloroacetyl chloride or its vapours by any route (inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact) is toxic to humans. Inhalation causes severe irritation of the upper respiratory system; ingestion causes severe irritation of the mouth and stomach; and external contact causes severe irritation of the eyes and skin. In addition, Chloroacetyl chloride decomposes violently in water to form chloroacetic acid and irritating hydrogen chloride. Chloroacetyl chloride and its decomposition products are corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, and can cause multi-organ failure. Chloroacetyl chloride and its breakdown products have been reported to cause symptoms of skin and respiratory toxicity, which may include vomiting, irritability, coma, hypoxaemia, hypotension, acidosis, hypokalaemia, bronchitis, pneumonia, loss of vision, and in severe cases, may lead to heart failure and death.

References:

[1] LANLAN GUO. Case report: Occupational poisoning incident from a leak of chloroacetyl chloride in Jinan, Shandong, China.[J]. Frontiers in Public Health, 2023. DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1215293.