posted 09-01-2005 03:18 PM                       

Carbon Tetrachloride:

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/ccl4.html

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According to the NTP 10th Annual Report On Carcinogens carbon tetrachloride is "reasonably anticipated" to be a human carcinogen. Therefore, avoid contact with it whenever possible.
Carbon tetrachloride was formerly used in a wide variety of applications before the carcinogenic hazard was well-known. One such use was as a fire extinguishing agent. Besides the carcinogenic hazard this poses, an additional danger is that carbon tetrachloride can form phosgene gas (Cl2CO, used as a chemical weapon in World War I) when used on electrical fires. If you ever come across a carbon tetrachloride extinguisher dispose of it as a toxic waste and replace the extinguisher with an appropriately selected model.

Carbon tetrachloride was widely used as an industrial solvent before its health hazards were well-known. It is sometimes used as an intermediate (ingredient) in the manufacture of other chemicals, and it has a terrific degreasing ability. This latter property also resulted in its use by the dry cleaning industry in the 20th century, but this practice has long been abandoned.

Regulations and taxes have helped to phase out the widespread use of carbon tetrachloride in most "first world" nations, however you are still likely to encounter carbon tetrachloride in academic and research laboratories.

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Toxicology
This material is a probable carcinogen. Its use must be carefully assessed before work begins in the laboratory. Inhalation and ingestion are harmful, and may be fatal. Irritant. Skin contact may lead to dermatitis. Long-term exposure may lead to kidney or liver damage, CNS disturbance, cancer and damage to eyes, skin and lungs.

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