Chloroform Fact Sheet

Source of Exposure

Currently chloroform is used in the preparation of pharmaceuticals artificial silks, insecticides, floor polishes, lacquers, and cleaning solvents. It is a common byproduct of water chlorination. Chloroform is no longer used as an anesthetic because of its danger and potential side effects. The primary routes of exposure are from inhalation and direct contact with skin.

Symptoms

The primary toxic effects of chloroform are in the liver and kidneys. Acute exposure can cause hepatitis, necrosis, and renal damage. Chloroform acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. Persons exposed to the chemical may develop headaches, impaired coordination,, gastrointestinal distress,, and irritability. Chloroform acts as an irritant on the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. Dermatitis has also been associated with exposure to chloroform.

Blood Concentrations

Data shows that the average population has background levels of chloroform of 0.9 PPB in whole blood. (EHS data) The Threshold Limit Value established for chloroform is 10,000 PPB in ambient air. Currently there is no corresponding value for whole blood at the TLV Limits. However, two individuals undergoing anesthesia produced blood concentrations of 1000 and 5000 PPB in blood.

Toxic Levels

Exposure to air containing chloroform in concentrations of 10,000 PPB may produce dizziness and disorientation. Patients who received an oral dose of chloroform (500mg) produced maximal blood levels of 1000 PPB within one hour. Concentrations exceeding 7,000,000 PPB in air, will cause unconsciousness. Post mortem studies have revealed serum levels of chloroform in a range of 10,000 to 48,000 PPB. However, a study performed by Morris et. al.,, 1951 shows patients in Plane IV anesthesia to have blood levels of chloroform exceeding 165,000 PPB. Individuals who have been sensitized may manifest negative health effects at concentrations well within the ranges considered safe for the average population. (See Chemically Hypersensitive Patients.)

Metabolism

The half life for chloroform is believed to be approximately 1.5 hrs. Following an exposure to chloroform, the body exhales a significant amount of the original dosage unchanged. The balance is metabolized into C02 and hydrochloric acid (Fry et. al., 1972).

Summary

Classification:   Halogenated Hydrocarbon
Population Average:   0.9 (whole blood) PPB
Threshold Limit Value:   10,000 (air) PPB
Onset of Symptoms:   1,000 (whole blood) PPB
Death:   165,000 (whole blood) PPB
Half Life:   1.5 Hrs.
LD 5O:   (oral-rat) 800 mg/kg

References

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Baselt, R.D. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, 2nd Ed., Davis CA: Biomedical Publications, 1982.

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Dubowski, K.M., "Organic volatile substances." in Methodology for Analytical Toxicology, (I. Sunshine, ed.), CRC Press, Cleveland, pp. 407-411, 1975.

Fry, B.J., Taylor, T., and Hathway, D.E., "Pulmonary elimination of chloroform and its metabolite in man," Arch.Int.Pharm.Ther. 196: 98-111, 1972.

Giusti, G.V. and Chiarotti, M., "Double 'suicide' by chloroform in a pair of twins," Med.Sci.Law 21: 2-3, 1981.

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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Chloroform, NIOSH Document No. 75-114, Washington, D.C., 1975.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Current Intelligence Bulletin No. 9-Chloroform, Washington, D.C., 1976.

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Schroeder, H.G., "Acute and delayed chloroform poisoning." Brit.J.Anaesth. 37: 972-975, 1965.

Seba, D.B., Milam, M.J. and Laseter,, J.L. "Uptake, measurement and elimination of synthetic chemicals by man", in Brostoff, J. and Challacombe, S.J. (Eds) Food Allergy and Intolerance, London: Bailliere Tindall, 1987.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Chloroform: Ambient Water Quality Criteria, Washington, D.C., 1980.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Chloroform, Health and Environmental Effects Profile No. 47, Office of Solid Waste, Washington, D.C., April 30, 1980.

United Nations Environment Programme, IRPTC Legal File 1983, Vol. 1, pp VII/185-188, Geneva, Switzerland, International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals, 1984.

Vogt, C.R., Liao, J.C., and Sun, A.Y., "Extraction and determination of chloroform in rat blood and tissues by gas chromatography-electron-capture detection: distribution of chloroform in the animal body," Clin.Chem. 26: 66-68, 1980.