Chloroform Is Widely Used As a Solvent or As a Substance That Helps Other Substances Dissolve
Chloroform |
Chloroform is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic odor and taste. The discovery of chloroform is linked to two scientific breakthroughs that occurred around the same time. French chemist Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas first discovered the chemical compound, and suggested its modern name. It was not until 1847 that Dr. James Young Simpson first used the chemical as an anesthetic.
People
exposed to chloroform should take precautions to avoid inhalation and contact.
It is especially dangerous for health professionals and other workers exposed
to it. For this reason, an Occupational Health Guideline for Chloroform
was produced. It explains how this chemical is manufactured and the effects it
can have on human health. It is extremely toxic and should not be used by
anyone. The effects of Chloroform depend on the method of administration and
the dosage of this substance. Chloroform can also have a profound effect on the
nervous system. Chloroform is a highly volatile liquid that renders victims
unconscious in even a small dosage. It is also used in agricultural processes
and in the production of the refrigerant, freon. Inhalation of chloroform can
lead to shortness of breath, agitation, dizziness, and nausea. Although
chloroform is naturally present in the environment, most of it is man-made.
Today,
however, Chloroform is no longer used as an anesthetic. It has been replaced by
hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which are more effective and produce fewer
undesirable side effects. Despite this, Chloroform is readily available from
chemical supply stores. There is no known medical use for the chemical, and its
toxicity has led to an increased awareness of its hazards.
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