Chloroform

Chloroform exists as a clear, colourless liquid.  It has a distinct odour and has a burning sweet taste.  In its pure form it is light sensitive and so some forms bought contain 0.75% ethanol as a stabiliser.  Chloroform is used, other than a general laboratory reagent, in the production of pesticides, drugs, anaesthetics and flavours.

Toxic effects

The probable main intake of chloroform is inhalation however, ingestion has been reported in several cases.  Chloroform is used as an anaesthetic and so depresses the central nervous system.  When a large amount is used it will also cause liver damage and in extreme cases cirrhosis of the liver.

Symptoms

In an excess amount chloroform could have the following symptoms:

1.    Sore throat, coughing.

2.    Giddiness.

3.    Nausea and vomiting.

4.    Headache.

5.    Unconsciousness.

6.    Cardiac arrhythmias.

7.    Diarrhoea

8.    Liver and kidney damage.

Lethal dose

The lethal dose of chloroform is thought to be about 50 mg/kg.