Deutsch: Chloroform / Español: Cloroformo / Português: Clorofórmio / Français: Chloroforme / Italiano: Cloroformio

Chloroform in the environment context refers to a volatile organic compound (VOC) with the chemical formula CHCl₃. Historically used as an anesthetic and in various industrial applications, chloroform is now recognized for its environmental and health impacts. It can be released into the environment through industrial discharges, the chlorination of drinking water, and the breakdown of other chlorine-containing compounds. Once in the environment, chloroform poses risks to air and water quality and has been linked to adverse health effects in humans and wildlife.

Description

Chloroform is a colorless, sweet-smelling substance that can degrade air quality and contaminate water sources. In the environment, it primarily originates from human activities, though it can also occur naturally in small amounts. The production and use of chloroform have decreased significantly in many countries due to its classification as a probable human carcinogen and its contribution to ozone layer depletion. Nonetheless, its persistence in the environment and presence in chlorinated drinking water remain concerns.

Application Areas

Environmental concerns related to chloroform include:

Well-Known Examples

Treatment and Risks

The primary environmental risk associated with chloroform is its potential to contaminate air and water, posing health risks to humans and ecosystems. Long-term exposure to chloroform can lead to liver and kidney damage and is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Mitigating these risks involves improving industrial processes to limit chloroform emissions, treating water to reduce DBP formation, and conducting ongoing monitoring and research to understand and manage its impacts.

Summary

In the environmental context, chloroform is a volatile organic compound of concern due to its presence as a Pollutant in air and water and its associated health risks. efforts to manage chloroform in the environment focus on reducing industrial emissions, minimizing its formation in drinking water through alternative disinfection methods, and remediating contaminated sites to protect public health and ecological integrity.

--


Related Articles to the term 'Chloroform'

'Benzene' ■■■■■■■■■■
Benzene is a highly toxic chemical compound (C₆H₆) that is widely used in industrial processes but . . . Read More
'Environmental contamination' ■■■■■■■■■■
Environmental contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances or pollutants in the natural . . . Read More
'Chlorination' ■■■■■■■■■
A Chlorination is the application of chlorine to drinking water, sewage, or industrial waste to disinfect . . . Read More
'Formaldehyde' ■■■■■■■■■
Formaldehyde is a highly reactive, volatile organic compound (VOC) that is widely used in industrial . . . Read More
'Lead' ■■■■■■■■■
Lead: A lead is a naturally-occurring heavy, soft metallic element human Exposure can cause brain and . . . Read More
'Pesticides' ■■■■■■■■
Pesticides are chemical agents used to destroy pests. Pesticides are also chemical compounds used to . . . Read More
'PFC' ■■■■■■■■
PFC, or Perfluorinated Compounds, in the environmental context, refers to a group of synthetic chemicals . . . Read More
'Methyl' ■■■■■■■■
Methyl in the environment context refers to a hydrocarbon group, or alkyl derived from methane, containing . . . Read More
'Bromofluorocarbon' ■■■■■■■■
In the environment context, \"Bromofluorocarbon\" refers to a group of organic compounds that contain . . . Read More
'High Toxicity' at top500.de ■■■■■■■■
High Toxicity in the industrial context refers to substances or materials that pose significant health . . . Read More