It is used in manufacturing viscose rayon, cellophane, carbon tetrachloride, and flotation agents. It is used in making other chemicals, as a disinfectant, in bleaching, and for purifying water and sewage. Chronic exposure can damage the teeth, and irritate the lungs, causing bronchitis, coughing, and shortness of breath. A single high exposure can permanently damage the lungs. Acute exposure to chloroform can irritate and burn the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, and cause dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, confusion, and irregular heartbeat which may lead to death.
Chloroform is a probable carcinogen and is suspected of causing birth defects.
Chronic chloroform exposure can damage the skin, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. It is used to make silicones. Direct contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes. It is used to make plastics, resins, and glycerin. Acute exposure to epichlorohydrin vapor irritates the eyes, nose, bronchial tubes, and lungs.