Bromoform

Exposure to bromoform may occur from the consumption of chlorinated drinking water. The acute (short- term) effects from inhalation or ingestion of high levels of bromoform in humans and animals consist of nervous system effects such as the slowing down of brain functions, and injury to the liver and kidney. Chronic (long-term) animal studies indicate effects on the liver, kidney, and central nervous system (CNS) from oral exposure to bromoform. Human data are considered inadequate in providing evidence of cancer by exposure to bromoform, while animal data indicate that long-term oral exposure can cause liver and intestinal tumors. Bromoform has been classified as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.

Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants

Under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, there was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of tribromomethane for male F344/N rats and clear evidence of carcinogenic activity for female F344/N rats, based on increased incidences of uncommon neoplasms of the large intestine. Reduced survival for male rats given 200 mg/kg tribromomethane lowered the sensitivity of this group to detect a carcinogenic response. Chemically related nonneoplastic lesions included fatty change and active chronic inflammation of the liver in male and female rats, minimal necrosis of the liver in male rats, and mixed cell foci of the liver in female rats. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity for male B6C3F1 mice given 50 or 100 mg/kg tribromomethane or for female B6C3F1 mice given 100 or 200 mg/kg; male mice might have been able to tolerate a higher dose. Survival of female mice was reduced, partly due to a utero-ovarian infection.

Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-350: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Tribromomethane (Bromoform) (CASRN 75-25-2) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies) (1989 )

Evaluation: No epidemiological data relevant to the carcinogenicity of bromoform were available. There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of bromoform. Overall evaluation: Bromoform is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).

Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Bromoform safe storage

Separated from strong bases, oxidants, metals and food and feedstuffs. Keep in the dark. Ventilation along the floor. Store only if stabilized. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.

Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Bromoform storage conditions

Separated from strong bases, oxidants, metals and food and feedstuffs. Keep in the dark. Ventilation along the floor. Store only if stabilized. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.

Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Bromoform incompatible materials

Incompatible materials: Alkali metals.

Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Bromoform reactivity

Heating BROMOFORM to decomposition produces highly toxic fumes of carbon oxybromide (carbonyl bromide) and hydrogen bromide [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 519]. Reaction with powdered potassium or sodium hydroxide, Li or Na/K alloys, is violently exothermic [Weizmann, C. et al., J. Am Chem. Soc., 1948, 70, p. 1189]. Explosive reaction with crown ethers in the presence of potassium hydroxide [Le Goaller, R. et al., Synth. Comm., 1982, 12, p. 1163].

Source: CAMEO Chemicals