Carbon tetrachloride

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Appearance: clear, colorless liquid. Danger! May be fatal if inhaled, absorbed through the skin or swallowed. Causes eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. Aspiration hazard if swallowed. Can enter lungs and cause damage. Cancer suspect agent. May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause central nervous system effects. This is a CFC substance which destroys ozone in the upper atmosphere. Destruction of the ozone layer can lead to increased ultraviolet radiation which, with excess exposure to sunlight, can lead to an increase in skin cancer and eye cataracts. Marine pollutant. Target Organs: Kidneys, central nervous system, liver.

Potential health effects

Eye: Causes eye irritation. Vapors cause eye irritation. Skin: Causes skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts. Contact with the skin defats the skin. Ingestion: May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by excitement, followed by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma and possible death due to respiratory failure. Substance is a hepatotoxin and is capable of producing a toxic effect on the liver. Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract irritation. May cause liver and kidney damage. Exposure produces central nervous system depression. May be harmful if inhaled. Chronic: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Chronic ingestion may cause effects similar to those of acute ingestion. May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause cancer according to animal studies. Chronic exposure may cause visual disturbances. Carbon tetrachloride is a CNS depressant.