Some data may have been extracted from scientific literature using a pipeline that uses large language models (LLMs). Source articles are cited where applicable to help verify the extracted relationships.
Bromoform (CHBr3) is an exogenous organic compound with an average molecular weight of 252.73 g/mol. At room temperature, it exists as a liquid. Bromoform belongs to the halomethanes, a subclass of alkyl halides within the organic compounds.
This compound is found in or released from 20 recorded sources, including household cleaning and consumer products such as soap detergents, bleaching agents, perfumes within detergents and soaps, and tobacco smoke filters. Other sources include food, food processing and cookware—specifically fermentation processes for beer, food preservation, processing meats, and the preparation of wine or sparkling wine, as well as food contact materials. It is also associated with electrical and electronic equipment, including amplifiers, antennas, conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materials, discharge lamps, and electric switches. While its presence in superabsorbent polymer plastics is inconclusive, recorded exposure routes include touch, oral, and inhalation. Inhalation is an exposure route supported by literature (PMC6210579 ). Regarding health effects, bromoform is associated with cancer (PMC10552926 ).
Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as trihalomethanes. These are organic compounds in which exactly three of the four hydrogen atoms of methane (CH4) are replaced by halogen atoms.
carcinogenic agent (PMC8697901 )?A role played by a chemical compound which is known to induce a process of carcinogenesis by corrupting normal cellular pathways, leading to the acquistion of tumoral capabilities.
Bromine is a powerful oxidizing agent and is able to release oxygen free radicals from the water in mucous membranes. These free radicals are also potent oxidizers and produce tissue damage. In additon, the formation of hydrobromic and bromic acids will result in secondary irritation. The bromide ion is also known to affect the central nervous system, causing bromism. This is believed to be a result of bromide ions substituting for chloride ions in the in actions of neurotransmitters and transport systems, thus affecting numerous synaptic processes. (4, 5, 1)
3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. (2)
Minimum Risk Level
Not Available
Symptoms
Bromine vapour causes irritation and direct damage to the mucous membranes. Symptoms include lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, eye irritation with mucous secretions from the oropharyngeal and upper airways, coughing, dyspnoea, choking, wheezing, epistaxis, and headache. The bromide ion is a central nervous system depressant producing ataxia, slurred speech, tremor, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, dizziness, visual disturbances, unsteadiness, headaches, impaired memory and concentration, disorientation and hallucinations. This is called bromism. (4, 5)
Treatment
EYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water.
INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice.
SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention.
INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration.
Health Effects
Health Effect
Relationship
Direction
Description
Reference
cancer
Associated With?
Not Available
Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, and a change in bowel movements. There are over 100 types of cancers affect humans. The risk of developing certain cancers can be reduced by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, not drinking too much alcohol, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, vaccination against certain infectious diseases, not eating too much processed and red meat and avoiding too much sunlight exposure. Cancer is often treated with some combination of radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. The majority of cancers, some 90–95% of cases, are due to genetic mutations from environmental and lifestyle factors. The remaining 5–10% are due to inherited genetics.
Soil?Soil serves as a critical medium for plant growth and sustains various ecological functions; however, it can become a reservoir for synthetic chemical contamination.
Groundwater?Groundwater serves as a vital resource for drinking water and agricultural irrigation but is increasingly susceptible to contamination from synthetic chemicals.
Stormwater runoff?Stormwater runoff refers to the flow of rainwater or melted snow that does not soak into the ground and instead collects pollutants as it travels over impervious surfaces such as roads and parking lots.
Drinking water?Drinking water can be a medium for synthetic chemical contamination, often originating from various industrial processes and agricultural practices.
Ballast water?Ballast water, taken on by ships to maintain stability and balance, often contains a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and plankton.
Bilge water?Bilge water is a byproduct generated from the accumulation of water in the lowest part of a ship's hull, which may include a mixture of seawater, oil, fuel residues, and various contaminants.
Brushes?Brushes used in personal care and cosmetics can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and coatings used in their manufacturing.
Food contact materials?Food contact materials refer to substances and products that are intended to come into contact with food during processing, packaging, or preparation.
Amplifiers?Amplifiers, commonly used in various electronic devices to enhance signal strength, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and processes involved in their production and disposal.
Antennas?Antennas, commonly used in communication technologies, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination through the materials and coatings used in their construction.
Conductors Or Conductive Bodies Characterised By The Conductive Materials?Conductors, or conductive bodies, are materials that allow the flow of electrical current, typically made from metals such as copper, aluminum, or silver.
Discharge Lamps?Discharge lamps, including fluorescent and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, are commonly used for lighting applications due to their energy efficiency and brightness.
Electric Switches?Electric switches, integral components in numerous devices, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and manufacturing processes involved in their production.
Electrodes?Electrodes, used in various electrical and electronic applications, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials from which they are constructed and the processes involved in their manufacturing.
Emergency Protective Devices?Emergency protective devices, such as circuit breakers and surge protectors, are essential components in electrical systems designed to prevent damage from overcurrent and surges.
Fixed Capacitors And Their Manufacture?Fixed capacitors are passive electronic components used to store and release electrical energy, playing a critical role in various circuits.
Hybrid Capacitors?Hybrid capacitors are energy storage devices that combine the properties of electrolytic and supercapacitors, utilizing a combination of electrochemical principles to achieve higher energy density and power density.
Magnets?Magnets, commonly used in various electrical and electronic applications, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials used in their production.
Food Preservation?Food preservation often involves the use of synthetic chemicals, such as preservatives, flavor enhancers, and color additives, to extend shelf life and enhance the sensory qualities of food products.
Preparation Of Wine Or Sparkling Wine?The preparation of wine or sparkling wine involves various stages, including fermentation, aging, and bottling, which can introduce potential sources of synthetic chemical contamination.
Bleaching Agents?Bleaching agents are chemical substances used to whiten or lighten materials, often employed in various cleaning products for their stain removal and disinfecting properties.
Perfumes Within Detergents And Soaps?Perfumes within detergents and soaps are synthetic fragrance compounds added to enhance the sensory experience of cleaning products.
Soap Detergents?Soap detergents are synthetic surfactants designed to enhance the cleaning efficacy of water by reducing surface tension, allowing for better interaction with dirt and grease.
Tobacco Smoke Filters?Tobacco smoke filters are designed to reduce the inhalation of harmful substances in cigarette smoke, including tar and other particulate matter.
Manufacture Preparation Of Tobacco Products?The manufacture and preparation of tobacco products involve various processes that can result in the introduction of synthetic chemicals into the environment.
Paper Making Machines?Paper making machines utilize various synthetic chemicals throughout the production process, including additives, coatings, and bleaching agents.
Life Buoys?Life buoys, commonly used in marine environments for safety and rescue operations, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials used in their production.
Molluscicides?Molluscicides are synthetic chemicals specifically designed to control and eliminate mollusks, such as snails and slugs, which can be detrimental to crops and agricultural productivity.
Nematocides?Nematocides are synthetic chemicals specifically designed to control nematodes, which are microscopic roundworms that can cause significant damage to crops and plants.
Anti Perspirants Or Body Deoderants?Antiperspirants and body deodorants commonly contain synthetic chemicals such as aluminum compounds, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
Depilatories?Depilatories are products designed to remove unwanted hair through the application of synthetic chemicals that break down the protein structure of hair, facilitating its removal.
Essential Oils Or Perfumes?Essential oils and perfumes are complex mixtures of volatile compounds derived from natural or synthetic sources, commonly used for their aromatic properties.
Eye Makeup Products?Eye makeup products, including mascaras, eyeliners, and eyeshadows, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals such as pigments, preservatives, and film-forming agents.
Lip Care Products?Lip care products, including lipsticks, balms, and glosses, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
Lip Makeup Products?Lip makeup products, such as lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip liners, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals, including pigments, preservatives, and emollients.
Footwear?Footwear production often involves the use of various synthetic chemicals, such as adhesives, dyes, and treatments, which can contribute to environmental contamination.
Ropes?Ropes manufactured from synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene, nylon, and polyester, are widely used in various applications, including marine, construction, and outdoor activities.
Surface Finishing Of Leather?Surface finishing of leather often involves the use of various synthetic chemicals, including dyes, resins, and finishing agents.
Yarns Or Threads?Yarns or threads used in textiles can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the production processes and treatments they undergo.
Fire Fighting Gels?Fire fighting gels are synthetic chemical formulations designed to enhance fire suppression effectiveness by creating a protective barrier against heat and flames.
Non-PFAS Fire Fighting Foam?Non-PFAS fire fighting foam refers to fire suppression agents that do not contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are synthetic chemicals known for their water- and grease-resistant properties.
PFAS Fire Fighting Foam?PFAS fire fighting foam refers to a class of synthetic foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are designed to suppress flammable liquid fires.
Solid Fire Fighting Substances?Solid fire fighting substances, such as certain types of dry chemical powders, are used in fire suppression applications to extinguish flames and prevent fire spread.
Airplanes And Helicopters?Airplanes and helicopters are significant sources of synthetic chemical contamination primarily through the use of aviation fuels, lubricants, and de-icing agents.
Nitrogenous Fertilisers?Nitrogenous fertilizers are synthetic chemical compounds primarily used to enhance plant growth by supplying essential nitrogen, a crucial nutrient for photosynthesis and protein synthesis.
Cements?Cements are a composite material primarily used as a binding agent in construction applications, formed by the calcination of limestone and clay minerals at high temperatures.
Glass Coatings?Glass coatings are synthetic chemical formulations applied to glass surfaces to enhance properties such as durability, UV resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
Lime?Lime, primarily comprised of calcium oxide (CaO) or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), is widely used in various applications, including as a key ingredient in mortars, plasters, and cement.
Non Oxide Glass?Non-oxide glass refers to a category of glasses primarily composed of materials other than silicon dioxide, such as boron oxide or phosphorous oxide.
Silica Glass?Silica glass, primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), is widely used in various applications, including windows, glass facades, and insulation materials.
Nanotechnology?Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at the molecular or atomic level, typically within the range of 1 to 100 nanometers.
Mining Or Quarrying?Mining and quarrying operations can lead to synthetic chemical contamination through the release of various pollutants associated with the extraction and processing of minerals.
Coating Compositions?Coating compositions, which include paints, sealants, and varnishes, are formulated with a variety of synthetic chemicals such as solvents, resins, pigments, and additives.
Leather Tanning?Leather tanning is a process that transforms raw animal hides into durable leather through the application of various chemicals, including chromium salts, aldehydes, and vegetable tannins.
Sludge Treatment?Sludge treatment involves the processing of waste materials generated from wastewater treatment plants, which often contain a variety of organic and inorganic substances.
Water, Wastewater, & Sewage Treatment?Water, wastewater, and sewage treatment processes are critical for managing and mitigating pollutants in water systems.
Ziouzenkova O, Orasanu G, Sharlach M, Akiyama TE, Berger JP, Viereck J, Hamilton JA, Tang G, Dolnikowski GG, Vogel S, Duester G, Plutzky J: Retinaldehyde represses adipogenesis and diet-induced obesity. Nat Med. 2007 Jun;13(6):695-702. Epub 2007 May 27. [PubMed: 17529981]
International Agency for Research on Cancer (2014). IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. - http://monographs.iarc.fr/index.php
