Chloroform is an organic chemical known as trichloromethane. It is a colorless substance with a sweet smell but highly toxic. The chemical exists in the form of a dense liquid that is manufactured as the precursor to Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The chemical is categorized among the most toxic substances, which target specific organs in the human body. Toxic Effects Target Organs Animals and humans can absorb chloroform into their body through inhalation. If taken in large quantities, the substance can be highly toxic. The skin is one of the main body organs that can be exposed to the chemical. The skin of human beings and animals readily absorbs the chemical through dermal absorption. This occurs when a person is bathing or showering with water that contains chloroform. When the skin is hydrated, its chances of absorbing chloroform increase. The chemical then penetrates into the body and causes the highest tissue levels in various body organs such as lungs, kidneys, and liver as well as the nervous system (Sasso et al. 367). The distribution of chloroform throughout the body depends on the level and route of exposure. For instance, when it is inhaled or absorbed through the skin extrahepatic tissues are highly affected. The central nervous system is one of the main target organs in human beings and animals. This includes the above-mentioned organs when it is inhaled or drunk in a liquid. In the past, medical professionals used chloroform during surgical procedures before its harmful effects on the human kidney and liver were identified. Inhaling chloroform, drinking water or eating food that contains a large amount of the substance for a long period may cause serious damage to the kidneys and liver. When a large amount of chloroform gets into contact with the skin, it can cause sores and irritation. Even though no research has indicated the adverse effects of the chemical on the human reproductive system, pregnant rats and mice suffer miscarriage when they inhale chloroform (Grant & Schuman 45). If the pregnancy survives, the offspring develops birth defects. On the other hand, long-term use of chlorinated is linked to the cancerous growth in the urinary bladder and colon. Mechanisms of Action Chloroform enters into the body through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal or skin exposure. When inhaled, chloroform causes serious toxicity in various organs. The highly concentrated vapor of chloroform causes irritation of the mucous membrane exposed to it. These include irritation of the nose and throat. The person immediately develops difficulty in breathing as the effects of the chemical interfere with the respiratory system. When chloroform is used as an anesthetic drug, it might cause health problems such as hypothermia, respiratory acidosis, hyperglycemia, and depressed gastrointestinal tract motility. Other infections include spleen constriction, ketoacidosis, and increased count of leukocyte (International Agency for Research on Cancer 43). Based on its ingestion, chloroform immediately causes irritation of the gastrointestinal. This includes severe pain of abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. Consequently, the body becomes weak as the entire digestion system is affected. The susceptibility