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General information
Key Points
Fire
Non-flammable
Reacts with strong bases in the presence of organic solvents and alkali metals which
explode on impact
Emits toxic fumes of phosgene, hydrogen chloride and chlorine on decomposition
In the event of a fire involving chloroform, use fine water spray and normal fire kit with
breathing apparatus
Health
Toxic by inhalation or ingestion
Harmful, irritant and possibly carcinogenic after prolonged exposure
Immediate symptoms following ingestion or inhalation include excitement and nausea
followed by dizziness, drowsiness, coma and convulsions
Delayed effects may include kidney and liver damage
Inhalation causes shortness of breath and dryness of the mouth and throat
Ingestion causes a burning sensation of the mouth and throat and stomach upset
Skin or eye contact may cause irritation and inflammation
Chloroform is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as
possibly carcinogenic in humans
Environment
Avoid release into the environment
Inform Environment Agency of substantial incident
Prepared by K Foxall
CHAPD HQ, HPA
2007
Version 1
General Information: Page 2 of 5
CHLOROFORM GENERAL INFORMATION
Background
Chloroform is a clear, colourless, volatile
liquid with a characteristic sweet odour.
Chloroform is indirectly produced when
chlorine reacts with organic compounds.
Therefore, a number of water disinfection
processes including the chlorination of
drinking water, waste water and swimming
pools contribute to the formation and
release of chloroform into the
environment. Disinfection processes at
pulp and paper plants are also potential
sources of chloroform.
Chloroform is mainly used in the
production of refrigerant gases, but is also
used in pesticide formulations, as a
solvent and as a chemical intermediate.
Chloroform is present at low levels in air
and may also occur in drinking water, sea
and ground water.
Potential sources of chloroform exposure
for the general population include
contaminated air and food. Drinking water
may also be a source of exposure to trace
amounts.
Occupational exposure may occur during
the production and use of chloroform. It
may also occur at drinking-water plants
and waste-water treatment sites.
Inhalation of chloroform vapours may lead
to symptoms such as shortness of breath
and dryness of the mouth and throat.
Ingestion of chloroform can cause a
burning sensation in the mouth and throat,
nausea and vomiting. Skin contact with
chloroform may lead to irritation and
inflammation of the exposed area.
Exposure of the eyes to chloroform vapour
may cause a stinging sensation, and eye
contact with liquid chloroform can cause
immediate pain and inflammation.
Chloroform can be absorbed into the body
via ingestion or inhalation. Symptoms
include excitement and nausea followed
by dizziness and drowsiness. More severe
exposures to chloroform may cause heart
problems, convulsions, unconsciousness
and in some cases death. Delayed effects
(up to 48 hours after the exposure) of
chloroform exposure are liver and kidney
damage.
Long-term exposure to chloroform can
cause liver damage.
There is no evidence to suggest that
chloroform, at concentrations that do not
affect the mother, can affect the health of
the unborn child.
The International Agency for Research on
Cancer (IARC) has classified chloroform
as possibly having the ability to cause
cancer in humans. Prolonged exposure to
high enough levels of chloroform to cause
liver damage is thought to be necessary to
cause cancer. Chloroform does not have
any significant mutagenic properties.
General Information: Page 3 of 5
CHLOROFORM GENERAL INFORMATION
Production and Uses
Key Points
Chloroform is produced industrially by hydrochlorination of methanol or chlorination of
methane
The main use of chloroform is in the production of the refrigerant HCFC-22
It is also used in pesticide formulation, as a solvent and chemical intermediate
Chloroform was used as a general anaesthetic in the past.
Chloroform is produced by hydrochlorination of methanol or by chlorination of methane. It is
used primarily in the production of refrigerant HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane or
hydrochlorofluorocarbon 22). HCFC-22 is used for home air conditioners or large
supermarket freezers and in the production of fluoropolymers.
Chloroform is used in pesticide formulations, as a solvent and chemical intermediate in
laboratories and industrial situations, as a cleansing agent, in fire extinguishers and in the
rubber industry. It is also used in the manufacture of fluorocarbon plastics, resins and
propellants.
In the past, chloroform was extensively used to induce and maintain medical anaesthesia. Its
use as an anaesthetic was discontinued due to the severe adverse health effects associated
with its use.
General Information: Page 4 of 5
CHLOROFORM GENERAL INFORMATION
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chloroform?
Chloroform is a clear, colourless non-flammable liquid with a characteristic sweet odour. The
main use of chloroform is the production of the refrigerant gas (HCFC-22). Chloroform is also
used in pesticide formulations, as a solvent and as a chemical intermediate.
How does chloroform get into the environment?
Chloroform can exist naturally in the environment and is also released from workplaces
where it is manufactured and used. Water treatment processes involving chlorination can
also lead to the production and release of small quantities of chloroform.
How will I be exposed to chloroform?
People may be exposed to chloroform by inhaling contaminated air, drinking contaminated
water or by eating food containing chloroform. Workers involved in the production and use of
chloroform and those working at sites where chloroform is indirectly produced (e.g. water-
treatment plants), may be exposed to higher levels of chloroform than the general population.
If there is chloroform in the environment will I have any adverse health effects?
The presence of chloroform in the environment does not always lead to exposure. Clearly, in
order for it to cause any adverse health effects you must come into contact with it. You may
be exposed by breathing, eating, or drinking the substance or by skin contact. Following
exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several
factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the
duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other
chemicals.
Chloroform vapours can cause shortness of breath and mouth and throat dryness. Ingestion
of chloroform may cause burning of the mouth and throat and vomiting. Skin or eye contact
will lead to irritation and inflammation. More severe exposures to chloroform by inhalation or
ingestion will cause dizziness, drowsiness, liver and kidney damage, convulsions, heart
problems, unconsciousness and in some cases death.
Long-term exposure to chloroform can cause liver damage.
Can chloroform cause cancer?
Chloroform has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as
possibly causing cancer in humans. Prolonged exposure to high levels sufficient to cause
liver damage is believed to be necessary to cause cancer.
Does chloroform affect children or damage the unborn child?
Children will be affected by chloroform in the same way as adults. There is no evidence to
suggest that chloroform, at concentrations that do not affect the mother, can affect the health
of the unborn child.
General Information: Page 5 of 5
CHLOROFORM GENERAL INFORMATION
What should I do if I am exposed to chloroform?
It is very unlikely that the general population will be exposed to a level of chloroform high
enough to cause adverse health effects.
This document from the HPA Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards reflects
understanding and evaluation of the current scientific evidence as presented and referenced in this
document.
Chloroform
Incident management
Key Points
Fire
Not combustible
Reacts with strong bases in the presence of organic solvents and alkali metals which
explode on impact
Emits toxic fumes of phosgene, hydrogen chloride and chlorine on decomposition
In the event of a fire involving chloroform, use fine water spray and normal fire kit with
breathing apparatus
Health
Toxic by inhalation and ingestion
Immediate signs and symptoms of exposure include initial excitement and nausea
followed by CNS depression, ataxia, fatigue and dizziness
Delayed effects (up to 48 hours post exposure) may include liver and kidney damage
Inhalation causes nose and throat irritation, dry mouth and throat and shortness of
breath
Ingestion causes a burning sensation of mouth and throat, nausea and vomiting.
Dermal exposure causes irritation, defatting of skin and dermatitis.
Ocular exposure to vapours may be irritating. Direct contact with liquid causes
immediate pain and conjunctivitis
Environment
Avoid release into the environment
Inform Environment Agency of substantial incidents
CRCE HQ, HPA
03/2012
Version 2
Incident management: Page 2 of 11
CHLOROFORM INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Hazard Identification
Standard (UK) Dangerous Goods Emergency Action Codes
(a)
UN 1888
Chloroform
EAC 2Z
Use fine water spray. Wear normal fire kit in combination with
breathing apparatus *. Spillages and decontamination run-off
should be prevented from entering drains and watercourses.
APP -
Hazards
Class 6.1 Toxic substance
Sub
risks
-
HIN 60 Toxic or slightly toxic substance
UN United Nations number; EAC Emergency Action Code; APP Additional Personal
Protection; HIN - Hazard Identification Number
*Normal fire fighting clothing i.e. fire kit (BS EN 469), gloves (BS EN 659) and boots (HO
specification A29 and A30) in combination with self-contained open circuit positive pressure
compressed air breathing apparatus (BS EN 137).
a
Dangerous Goods Emergency Action Code List 2011. National Chemical Emergency Centre
(NCEC). The Stationary Office, London.
Incident management: Page 3 of 11
CHLOROFORM INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Chemical Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply Classification
(a)
Classification
Xn Harmful
Xi Irritant
Carc. Cat 3 Category 3 carcinogen
Risk phrases
R22 Harmful if swallowed
R38 Irritating to skin
R40 Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect
R48/20/22
Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged
exposure through inhalation and if swallowed
Safety phrases
S2 Keep out of the reach of children
S36/37 Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves
Specific concentration limits
Concentration Classification
C 5 % Xn; R22
C 5 % Xn; R48/20/22
a
Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of
Substances and Mixtures- Table 3.2.
http://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/index.php?PGM=cla (accessed 03/2012)
Incident management: Page 4 of 11
CHLOROFORM INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
(GHS)
(a)
Hazard Class
and Category
Carc. 2 Carcinogenicity, category 2
Acute Tox. 4 Acute toxicity, category 4
STOT RE 2
Specific target organ systemic toxicity
following repeated exposure, category 2
Skin Irrit. 2 Skin irritation, category 2
Hazard
Statement
H351 Suspected of causing cancer
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H373
May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated
exposure
H315 Causes skin irritation
Signal Words WARNING
Specific concentration limits
Concentration
Hazard Class
and Category
Hazard Statement
C 5 % STOT RE 2 H373
May cause damage to organs through
prolonged or repeated exposure
a
Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of
Substances and Mixtures- Table 3.1.
http://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/index.php?PGM=cla (accessed 01/2012)
Incident management: Page 5 of 11
CHLOROFORM INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Physicochemical Properties
References
(a,b,c)
a
Chloroform (HAZARDTEXT
System, Thomson
Micromedex, Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA. (electronic version). RightAnswer.com, Inc.,
Midland, MI, USA, Available at: http://www.rightanswerknowledge.com/data/dt/dt651.htm (accessed
01/2012).
b
The Merck Index (14
th
Edition). Entry 2141: Chloroform, 2006.
c
The Dictionary of Substances and their Effects. Ed. S Gangolli. Second Edition, Volume 2, 1999.
CAS number 67-66-3
Molecular weight 119
Empirical formula CHCl
3
Common synonyms Trichloromethane; Methyl trichloride.
State at room temperature Liquid
Volatility Vapour pressure 197mm Hg at 25C.
Specific gravity
1.5 at 20C
Flammability
Not combustible
Lower explosive limit
Not applicable
Upper explosive limit
Not applicable
Water solubility
Solubility in water, 7.7 g L
-1
at 25C. Soluble in alcohol,
benzene, ether and other organic solvents
Reactivity
Reactive. Chloroform reacts violently with strong bases in the
presence of an organic solvent, causing risk of fire or explosion.
Reacts with alkali metals which are explosive when subjected to
an impact
Reaction or degradation
products
Emits toxic and corrosive fumes of phosgene, hydrogen chloride
and chlorine when heated to decomposition
Odour Sweet
Structure
Incident management: Page 6 of 11
CHLOROFORM INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Threshold Toxicity Values
EXPOSURE VIA INHALATION
ppm mg m
-3
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS REFERENCES
< 50 < 249 Discomfort a
500 2490 Symptoms of illness a
2000 9960
Severe toxic effects (60 minutes
exposure)
a
4896 14892 24000 73000 Induction of anaesthesia a
EXPOSURE VIA INGESTION
g SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS REFERENCES
7.5 Serious illness b
45 Estimated mean lethal oral dose for an adult b
a
International Programme on Chemical Safety, Environmental Health Criteria 163: Chloroform, 1994.
b
International Programme on Chemical Safety. Concise Chemical International Chemical Assessment
Document 58. Chloroform, 2004.
Incident management: Page 7 of 11
CHLOROFORM INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Published Emergency Response Guidelines
Emergency Response Planning Guideline (ERPG) Values
(a)
Listed value
(ppm)
Calculated value
(mg m
-3
)
ERPG-1* NA NA
ERPG-2** 50 244
ERPG-3*** 5000 24413
NA = Not appropriate
* Maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all individuals could be
exposed for up to 1 hr without experiencing other than mild transient adverse health effects or
perceiving a clearly defined, objectionable odour.
** Maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all individuals could be
exposed for up to 1 hr without experiencing or developing irreversible or other serious health effects or
symptoms which could impair an individual's ability to take protective action.
*** Maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all individuals could be
exposed for up to 1 hr without experiencing or developing life-threatening health effects.
Interim Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs)
(b)
ppm
10 min 30 min 60 min 4 hr 8 hr
AEGL-1
NR NR NR NR NR
AEGL-2
120 80 64 40 29
AEGL-3