Carbon tetrachloride is a manufactured compound that does not occur naturally. It's a clear liquid with a sweet smell that can be detected at low levels. It's also called carbon chloride, methane tetrachloride, perchloromethane, tetrachloroethane, or benziform. Trade names include Benzinoform, Freon 10, Halon 104, Tetraform, or Tetrasol.
Carbon tetrachloride is most often found as a colorless gas. It's not flammable and doesn't dissolve in water very easily. It was used in the production of refrigeration fluid and propellants for aerosol cans, as a pesticide, as a cleaning fluid and degreasing agent, in fire extinguishers, and in spot removers. Because of its harmful effects, these uses are now banned and it is only used in some industrial applications.
Exposure to carbon tetrachloride results mostly from breathing air, drinking water, or coming in contact with soil that is contaminated with it. This is most likely to occur around
hazardous waste sites or in the
workplace. In people, exposure to very high amounts of carbon tetrachloride can damage the
liver,
kidneys, and
nervous system. This chemical has been found in at least 326 of 1,416 National Priorities List
sites identified by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
See a doctor if you have been harmed by this substance. In addition, it
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See Also
- Toxic & Hazardous Substances
- Balance Problems: Overview
- Cancer
- Coma: Overview
- Fatigue: Overview
- Head, Spinal Cord, Brain & Nerve Disorders: Overview
- Headaches
- Kidney & Urinary Tract Disorders
- Liver & Gallbladder Disorders
- Nausea: Overview
- Carbon Tetrachloride: Frequently Asked Questions