Skip to main content
hpa logo
Topics A-Z:
Search the site:
Home Topics Chemicals & Poisons Compendium of Chemical Hazards Carbon tetrachloride

Carbon tetrachloride

Key Points

Fire

  • Non flammable
  • Reacts with some metals such as aluminium, magnesium and zinc causing fire and explosion hazard
  • Emits irritating or toxic fumes including chlorine, hydrogen chloride and phosgene, when heated to decomposition
  • In the event of a fire involving carbon tetrachloride, use fine water spray and normal fire kit with breathing apparatus

Health

  • Toxic by inhalation, ingestion and dermal exposure
  • Inhalation and ingestion may cause a reduced conscious level, sickness, headache, dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea and difficulties with breathing
  • Ingestion and inhalation may also cause liver and kidney damage, which in severe cases can lead to coma and death
  • Skin or eye contact can cause irritation
  • Carbon tetrachloride possibly causes cancer in humans

Environment

  • Dangerous for the environment
  • Inform Environment Agency of substantial incidents

 

All sections are available to download in PDF format below:

 

Prepared by S Robjohns
CHAPD HQ, HPA
2009
Version 1

This document will be reviewed not later than 3 years, or sooner if substantive evidence becomes available.