Carbon tetrachloride toxicity. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Abstract

Industrial carbon tetrachloride is used in the synthesis of chlorofluorocarbons and chlorinated solvents. Although both production and use of carbon tetrachloride are declining, industrial and hazardous waste sites remain as sources of exposure. Workers using carbon tetrachloride or products that contain it are at highest risk of exposure. Diabetics and persons who drink alcohol may have an increased risk of adverse effects following exposure to carbon tetrachloride. Acute exposure may result in rapid central nervous system depression. Symptoms of hepatic and renal toxicity may arise one to four days later. Carbon tetrachloride is considered a possible carcinogenic agent. Administration of N-acetylcysteine may reduce complications of severe carbon tetrachloride exposure. Removal of the source of exposure and avoidance of other hepatotoxicants is the only treatment for chronic carbon tetrachloride toxicity.