Chloroform (trichloromethane): Health effects
Description
Exposure to chloroform occurs mainly through breathing or skin contact. Exposure to the vapour can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Lower concentrations of chloroform can cause dizziness, fatigue, light-headedness, nausea, confusion and headaches. Higher levels may induce anaesthesia with changes in respiratory rate, cardiac effects (e.g. irregular heart beats), gastrointestinal effects (e.g. nausea and vomiting) and effects on the liver and kidneys. Exposure to very high levels can result in death. A fatal oral dose of chloroform may be as low as 10 mL (14.8 g) with death due to respiratory or cardiac arrest. Breathing chloroform or ingesting chloroform over long periods of time may damage liver (such as hepatitis and jaundice), kidneys, skin and central nervous system (such as depression and irritability). Skin contact with the liquid can cause a rash or a burning feeling. Repeated skin contact may produce dermatitis. Absorption through intact skin occurs rapidly. The liquid can cause severe eye burns. Chloroform is a probable carcinogen (agent that causes cancer) and it may be teratogenic (may cause foetal abnormalities).
Entering the body
Chloroform can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.
Exposure
Exposure to chloroform can occur mainly in the workplace of industries that use chloroform. Inhalation and skin contact are the most likely exposure routes. Ingestion is unlikely. The general public may be exposed to trace amounts of chloroform by drinking chlorinated water, by eating food or drinking beverages where tap water containing chloroform is used during production processes or by swimming in pools treated with chlorine.
Health guidelines
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (NHMRC and ARMCANZ, 1996):
Maximum of 0.25 mg/L (i.e. 0.00025 g/L).
Worksafe Australia has set the exposure standard for chloroform to 10 ppm (equivalent to 49 milligram/m3) (TWA).
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