CHLOROFORM
Also known as: Trichloromethane, CHCl3, Chloroformum
Chemical reference number (CAS): 67-66-3
WHAT IS CHLOROFORM?
Chloroform is a clear liquid with an ether-like odor and a slightly sweet taste. It is
a naturally-occurring chemical, but most of the chloroform in the environment is man-made.
Chloroform is a member of a group of chemicals called "trihalomethanes." It is
used to make coolants, as a fumigant for grain, and as a dry cleaning spot remover.
Chloroform can be formed during the break-down of chlorine-containing compounds, and
may be found in in small amounts in chlorinated drinking or swimming pool water. Chlorine
treatment of drinking water is often necessary to prevent diseases that can be a major
cause of illness.
Chloroform evaporates quickly. Most of the chloroform that ends up in lakes, streams,
or soil evaporates into the air. However, chloroform that seeps through soil into
ground-water can remain unchanged for many years.
HOW ARE PEOPLE EXPOSED TO CHLOROFORM?
Breathing: People who work with chloroform are at a greater risk.
People may also be exposed by inhaling the chemical as they do laundry or bathe with
contaminated water.
Drinking/Eating: People can get low level exposure when they use
contaminated water for drinking or for preparing food.
Touching: Chloroform can pass through the skin when people handle pure
chloroform or products that contain it. For example: touching contaminated soil, or using
contaminated water for activities such as bathing, swimming or doing laundry.
DO STANDARDS EXIST FOR REGULATING CHLOROFORM?
Water: The state groundwater standard for chloroform is 6 parts per
billion (ppb). The state and federal drinking water standard for total trihalomethanes in
chlorinated, municipal drinking water supplies is 100 ppb. We suggest you stop drinking
water that contains more than the standard for your water supply. If levels of chloroform
or trihalomethanes are very high in your water, you may also need to avoid washing,
bathing, or using the water for other purposes. Contact your local public health agency
for more information specific to your situation.
Air: No standards exist for regulating the amount of
chloroform allowed in the air of homes. We use a formula to convert
workplace limits to home limits. Based on the formula, we recommend levels
be no higher than 0.2 parts per million (ppm) of c
Most people can’t smell chloroform until levels reach 133,000 ppbv or higher. If
you can smell the chemical, the level is too high to be safe.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulates the amount of
chloroform that can be released into outdoor ambient air by industries.
WILL EXPOSURE TO CHLOROFORM RESULT IN HARMFUL HEALTH EFFECTS?
Immediately or shortly after exposure to a level of 100 ppm (100,000 ppbv) of chloroform in air, a
person may feel tired, dizzy, and have a headache.
The following health effects can occur after several years of exposure to chloroform:
Cancer: Chloroform is suspected of causing cancer. Liver and kidney
tumors have been reported in laboratory animals. Any exposure to a cancer-causing chemical
may increase your risk of developing cancer.
Reproductive Effects: The reproductive and developmental effects of
chloroform are not known. However, chloroform can enter the bloodstream of a developing
baby.
Organ Systems: Damaged liver or kidney function can result when levels
of chloroform reach 300 ppb in water or 0.25 ppm in air.
In general, chemicals affect the same organ systems in all people who are exposed.
However, the seriousness of the effects may vary from person to person.
A person's reaction depends on several things, including individual health, heredity,
previous exposure to chemicals including medicines, and personal habits such as smoking or
drinking.
It is also important to consider the length of exposure to the chemical; the amount of
chemical exposure; and whether the chemical was inhaled, touched, or eaten.
CAN A MEDICAL TEST DETERMINE EXPOSURE TO CHLOROFORM?
Chloroform is rapidly flushed from the body. Chloroform can be measured in exhaled
breath, urine, blood, and other tissues, but no reliable method exists to determine the
level of your exposure. Because chloroform can be formed in the body following exposure to
other substances, levels found in tests cannot always be linked to just chloroform
exposure. Doctors can use tests of liver, kidney, and heart function to evaluate the
health effects of chloroform exposure.
Seek medical advice if you have any symptoms that you think may be related to chemical
exposure.
(P-44355 Revised 05/2012)
This fact sheet summarizes information about this chemical and is not a complete
listing of all possible effects. It does not refer to work exposure or emergency
situations.
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