EPA has not established an RfC for carbon tetrachloride. Decreased fertility in rats, decreased sperm production in male rats, degenerative changes in the testes, and a decreased survival rate of newborns have been observed in animals exposed to carbon tetrachloride orally and by inhalation. Birth defects have not been observed in animals exposed to carbon tetrachloride by inhalation or ingestion. EPA has classified carbon tetrachloride as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen. EPA uses mathematical models, based on human and animal studies, to estimate the probability of a person developing cancer from breathing air containing a specified concentration of a chemical.
Carbon tetrachloride is a clear, nonflammable liquid which is almost insoluble in water.
Carbon tetrachloride is used as a solvent for oils, fats, lacquers, varnishes, rubber waxes, and resins and as a starting material in the manufacture of organic compounds. 9 See notes on following page. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Carbon Tetrachloride Health Advisory . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.