It's unlikely that he was reacting to phosgene. Phosgene acts in that it decomposes to hydrochloric acid in the presence of water - it would also cause burning to mucous membranes.
Chlorinated solvents, however, can have neurological effects as they are central nervous system depressants. Things like tetrachloroethylene (C2Cl4) are great solvents, but you don't want to inhale them.
I'm thinking his work area wasn't as well ventilated as he implied.