Chloroform
Synonyms & Trade Names
Methane trichloride, Trichloromethane
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca ST 2 ppm (9.78 mg/m3) [60-minute] See Appendix AOSHA PEL
C 50 ppm (240 mg/m3) See Appendix GMeasurement Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a pleasant odor.
Molecular Weight
119.4
Boiling Point
143°F
Freezing Point
-82°F
Solubility
(77°F): 0.5%
Vapor Pressure
160 mmHg
Ionization Potential
11.42 eV
Specific Gravity
1.48
Flash Point
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
Noncombustible Liquid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong caustics; chemically-active metals such as aluminum or magnesium powder, sodium & potassium; strong oxidizers
[Note: When heated to decomposition, forms phosgene gas.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin; dizziness, mental dullness, nausea, confusion; headache, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); anesthesia; enlarged liver; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Liver, kidneys, heart, eyes, skin, central nervous system
Cancer Site
[in animals: liver & kidney cancer]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
See also
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content
source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health