Chloroform Research Paper
Chloroform is a halogenated organic compound known by its nonsystematic name. The chemical name for chloroform is trichloromethane. The molecular formula of this synthetic chemical is CHCl3. A particular odor, considered by some to be pleasant, will let one know chloroform is in the room. Because without it, the lack of color of this clear liquid makes it difficult to identify. Be fair warned: trichloromethane is volatile. It also sinks in water because it is denser. Chloroform is nonflammable under most conditions. The chlorine atoms in trichloromethane are more electronegative than the carbon atom, which is to say that the electrons are more greatly attracted to the chlorine atoms. Consequently, the chlorine has a partial negative
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In the past, trichloromethane used to be a common inhaled anesthetic and a solvent found in medicines, including cough syrups (McMurry & Castellion, 2006). However, it is now deemed toxic, and possibly carcinogenic (Timberlake 2015). There is adequate proof that chloroform is capable of causing tumors in animals, therefore it is highly suspected to be a human carcinogen as well, but this has not yet been confirmed. Many years ago, prior to environmental problems being well-known, harmful chemicals were buried in landfills. Chloroform is one of the common contaminants now found to have gained access to groundwater supplies. This is where Sheriff Woody would say, “Somebody’s poisoned the waterhole!” These chlorinated hydrocarbons decompose at a slow pace because they are insufficient in reactivity (Hill et al., 2005). Therefore, sadly, this will probably be a problem for future generations as well. There was a study done checking to see if there was a link between contact with trihalomethanes, including chloroform, in drinking water and adverse effects on fetal growth. Blood biomarkers of late pregnancy were specifically examined. The evidence “suggested that elevated maternal trihalomethane exposure may adversely affect fetal growth” (Cao et al., 2016). Even trace amounts of these suspected carcinogens are dangerous (Hill et al., 2005). Therefore, if
In the past, trichloromethane used to be a common inhaled anesthetic and a solvent found in medicines, including cough syrups (McMurry & Castellion, 2006). However, it is now deemed toxic, and possibly carcinogenic (Timberlake 2015). There is adequate proof that chloroform is capable of causing tumors in animals, therefore it is highly suspected to be a human carcinogen as well, but this has not yet been confirmed. Many years ago, prior to environmental problems being well-known, harmful chemicals were buried in landfills. Chloroform is one of the common contaminants now found to have gained access to groundwater supplies. This is where Sheriff Woody would say, “Somebody’s poisoned the waterhole!” These chlorinated hydrocarbons decompose at a slow pace because they are insufficient in reactivity (Hill et al., 2005). Therefore, sadly, this will probably be a problem for future generations as well. There was a study done checking to see if there was a link between contact with trihalomethanes, including chloroform, in drinking water and adverse effects on fetal growth. Blood biomarkers of late pregnancy were specifically examined. The evidence “suggested that elevated maternal trihalomethane exposure may adversely affect fetal growth” (Cao et al., 2016). Even trace amounts of these suspected carcinogens are dangerous (Hill et al., 2005). Therefore, if