Carbon Tetrachloride

Carbon tetrachloride (also known as carbon tet or tetrachloromethane) is a manufactured chemical that does not occur naturally. It is a clear liquid that evaporates easily and has a sweet smell (similar to chloroform) that humans can detect at low levels. Carbon tetrachloride was often used as a dry-cleaning solvent, pesticide, refrigerant, and fire extinguisher.

The manufacturing, use, transport, storage, and disposal of carbon tetrachloride can result in releasing it into the environment. If it enters the soil or surface water, carbon tetrachloride quickly evaporates. It can remain in the air for a long time and breaks down into chemicals that destroy ozone. If it enters groundwater, it can stay there for a long time and potentially contaminate drinking water. Although carbon tetrachloride is no longer widely used because of its health and environmental hazards, contamination from past uses can continue to affect communities for many years.

People can be exposed to carbon tetrachloride if they live or play near facilities that used to use it. Breathing air or touching soil contaminated with carbon tetrachloride can cause exposure. If carbon tetrachloride has contaminated groundwater used for drinking water, then drinking that water, showering in it, and cooking with it can also cause exposure. Exposure to carbon tetrachloride is known to cause liver and kidney damage, which may be permanent if the exposure is high. High exposure can also cause headache, dizziness, nausea, coma, and death. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that carbon tetrachloride probably causes cancer in humans.

Although most exposure today comes from legacy contamination, strong chemical safety protections remain essential to prevent future harm.In 2016, Congress strengthened the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to give the EPA more authority to regulate hazardous chemicals including carbon tetrachloride. Currently, Congress is considering rolling back these reforms, which could hinder the government’s ability to protect the public from carbon tetrachloride exposure. Supporters can sign the petition from our partners at Toxic-Free Future telling Congress not to roll back these crucial health protections.