Chloroform

Direct observations: clinical cases, poisoning incidents and other

Administrative data

Endpoint:

direct observations: clinical cases, poisoning incidents and other

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Reliability:

4 (not assignable)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: This very old study provides human information on acute effects following inhalation exposure to chloroform; concentrations were estimated

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

Studien über die Absorption chlorierter Kohlenwasserstoffe aus der Luft durch Tier und Mensch

Author:

Lehmann KB, Hasegawa

Year:

1910

Bibliographic source:

Archiv für Hygiene 72, 327-342

Materials and methods

Study type:

study with volunteers

Endpoint addressed:

acute toxicity: inhalation

Test guideline

Qualifier:

no guideline followed

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Volunteers inhaled weighed amounts of chloroform, adverse acute effects were observed for approximately one hour

GLP compliance:

no

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

Chloroform

EC Number:

200-663-8

EC Name:

Chloroform

Cas Number:

67-66-3

Molecular formula:

CHCl3

IUPAC Name:

trichloromethane

Details on test material:

no data

Method

Type of population:

general

Subjects:

Three adult male scientists, approximately 25 to 45 years old, 65 kg bodyweight or heavier

Ethical approval:

no

Route of exposure:

inhalation

Reason of exposure:

intentional

Exposure assessment:

estimated

Details on exposure:

Amounts of chloroform were weighed and filled into a kind of contained bath. Volunteers inhaled vapours formed from bath by inhaling over (not through bath). No measurements of concentration, only estimations.

Examinations:

Absorption of material and acute adverse effects were studied.

Medical treatment:

none

Results and discussion

Clinical signs:

The results of this study showed that a 3-minute exposure to 920 ppm induced vertigo and dizziness and a 30-minute exposure to 680 ppm produced moderately strong odor. A 30-minute exposure to 1400 ppm produced lightheadedness, giddiness, lassitude, and headache while exposure to 3000 ppm resulted in gagging and pounding of the heart. Twenty-minute exposure at 4300 to 5100 ppm or 15 minute exposure at 7200 ppm produced light intoxication and dizziness.

Results of examinations:

The results of this study showed that a 3-minute exposure to 920 ppm induced vertigo and dizziness whereas only a strong odor of chloroform was detected at 680 ppm for 30 minutes.

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

No severe adverse effects were seen in humans after acute inhalation exposure to chloroform vapours at an estimated concentration of 680 ppm.

Executive summary:

Three human, male adult volunteers inhaled defined amounts of chloroform during fixed periods of time. Concentrations were not measured but estimated. The study was not carried out in accordance with currently acceptable guidelines or fully reliable analytics. A 3-minute exposure to an estimated concentration of 920 ppm induced vertigo and dizziness and a 30 -minute exposure to 680 ppm produced moderately strong odour. A 30-minute exposure to 1400 ppm produced lightheadedness, giddiness, lassitude, and headache while exposure to 3000 ppm resulted in gagging and pounding of the heart. Twenty-minute exposure at 4300 to 5100 ppm or 15 minute exposure at 7200 ppm produced light intoxication and dizziness. From this it can be concluded that inhalation of chloroform vapours at an estimated concentration of 680 ppm for 30 minutes did not cause severe adverse effects in adult men.