Why is tetrachloroethylene trichloroethylene and IIItrichloroethane dangerous?

Answer 1

Both the carbon and the chlorine in carbon tetrachloride lose their unique elemental properties and assume new properties. So, neither are particularly harmful, however, the new compound, carbon tetrachloride, poses its own hazards, including health hazards.

Answer 2

These chemicals are dangerous because they are toxic to humans when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Long-term exposure can lead to health issues such as liver and kidney damage, neurological effects, and an increased risk of cancer. They can also harm the environment by contaminating soil and groundwater.

Answer 3

Interesting question...

Inhaling hot carbon tetrachloride is very dangerous as it reacts with oxygen in the air to make phosgene1) - a poisonous gas that was used as a chemical weapon in the first world war.

However

According to COSHH (the UKs Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) there is no short term (up to 15 minutes) exposure rate that is safe for carbon tetrachloride. In fact over an 8 hour period you shouldn't be exposed to more than 2ppm. Exposure can affect the nervous system, the liver and kidneys and cause coma and death. It might take a while, but a good lungful is going to be harmful to your health.

In short, if you have to pick between hot or cold carbon tetrachloride - pick cold. If you have a choice as to inhale or not inhale - then don't!

1) Comment:

This is more likely to be the case with chlororform(CHCl3), which is not the same as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). But tetra is still as dangerous as described here.

(Cf. "Related links" in the lower left corner of this answer page: 'Conversion to phosgene')

Answer 4

it meses up your metabolism and you can become sick from and you can pass this gene on to your kids.

Answer 5

The carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is very dangerous for the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. Also CCl4 gas is a greenhouse and ozone depleting gas.