Chloroform

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Appearance: clear, colorless liquid. May cause central nervous system depression. May cause cardiac disturbances. May cause cancer based on animal studies. This substance has caused adverse reproductive and fetal effects in animals. May be harmful if swallowed. Caution! Causes eye and skin irritation. Causes digestive and respiratory tract irritation. Light sensitive. Target Organs: Blood, kidneys, heart, central nervous system, liver, cardiovascular system, excretory system, reproductive system.

Potential health effects

Eye: Causes moderate eye irritation. Contact with liquid causes immediate burning pain, tearing, and reddening of the conjunctiva. Skin: Causes mild skin irritation. Prolonged or repeated contact may dry/defat the skin and cause irritation. Absorption of liquid through intact skin is possible and may cause sys temic poisoning if contact with liquid is prolonged. Ingestion: Causes gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause liver damage. May cause cardiac disturbances. Aspiration of material into the lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal. Possible aspiration hazard. May cause hallucinations and distorted perceptions. Inhalation: Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by nausea, headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. May cause cardiac sensitization and possible failure. Inhalation of large amounts may cause respiratory stimulation, followed by respiratory depression, convulsions and possible death due to respiratory paralysis. May be absorbed through the lungs. Causes irritation of the mucous membrane and upper respiratory tract. Chronic: Possible cancer hazard based on tests with laboratory animals. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Effects may be delayed. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects. Toxicity may be increased by exposure to alcohol, steroids, and ketones. Prolonged exposure may cause liver, kidney, and heart damage.