Key Points

Fire

• Non-flammable
• Reacts with strong bases in the presence of organic solvents and alkali metals which explode on impact
• Emits toxic fumes of phosgene, hydrogen chloride and chlorine on decomposition
• In the event of a fire involving chloroform, use fine water spray and normal fire kit with breathing apparatus

Health

• Toxic by inhalation or ingestion
• Harmful, irritant and possibly carcinogenic after prolonged exposure
• Immediate symptoms following ingestion or inhalation include excitement and nausea followed by dizziness, drowsiness, coma and convulsions
• Delayed effects may include kidney and liver damage
• Inhalation causes shortness of breath and dryness of the mouth and throat
• Ingestion causes a burning sensation of the mouth and throat and stomach upset
• Skin or eye contact may cause irritation and inflammation
• Chloroform is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic in humans

Environment

• Avoid release into the environment
• Inform Environment Agency of substantial incident

 

All sections are available to download in PDF format below:

• Chloroform - Full Document (PDF, 180 KB)
• General Information (PDF, 38 KB)
• Incident Management (PDF, 84 KB)
• Toxicological Overview (PDF, 86 KB)