Bromoform
Agent Name
Bromoform
Alternative Name
Tribromomethane
CAS Number
75-25-2
Formula
C-H-Br3
Major Category
Solvents
Synonyms
Bromoform; Bromoforme [French]; Bromoformio [Italian]; Methane, tribromo-; Methenyl tribromide; Methyl tribromide; Tribrommethaan [Dutch]; Tribrommethan [German]; Tribromometan [Italian]; Tribromomethane; [ChemIDplus] UN2515
Category
Brominated Solvents
Description
Colorless to yellow liquid with a chloroform-like odor; Note: A solid below 47 degrees F; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used as a intermediate for pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds; also used as a solvent for waxes and oils; [ACGIH]
Comments
Narcosis and liver injury occur in animal studies; Workers complain of irritating effects to the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract; [ACGIH] A lachrymator; [CHEMINFO] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [ICSC]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
No
TLV (ACGIH)
0.5 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
0.5 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
850 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
It has been reported that 14,000 to 16,000 ppm will cause rapid loss of consciousness [Patty 1963].
Vapor Pressure
5.4 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
0.19 ppm
Odor Threshold High
15 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 45,000 mg/m3/4H
Explanatory Notes
Odor threshold from AIHA; VP from HSDB;
Half Life
Whole body (animal studies): 4 hours; [TDR, p. 220]
Reference Link #2
Adverse Effects
Lachrymator
Yes
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
IARC Carcinogen
Not classifiable
ACGIH Carcinogen
Confirmed Animal
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: