ChLoRoFoRm
By AbBeY gReEr
Chemistry of Chlorofom
Uses for Chloroform
It is used in insecticides and fumigants and used to be used as a refrigerant, but is being phased out.
Chloroform is also used as a solvent for floor polishes, adhesives, fat, oils, spot treatment for dry cleaning, and rubber.
Effects of Chloroform on the Human Body
Symptoms of Chloroform Poisoning include, but are not limited to: eye irritation and burning, dilated pupils, abnormal heart rhythm, acetone breath, heart attack, chemical pneumonia, fluid in lungs, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, enlarged liver, and reduced blood pressure.
Testing for chloroform in the blood is only effective shortly after exposure since chloroform leaves the body quickly.
Possible treatment: Atropine and removal from exposure
Prognosis varies depending on the amount of exposure and reaction. There is a home test for chloroform poisoning, but if you think you have been exposed to a large amount seek immediate medical attention.
Exposure to Chloroform
Inhalation: headache, dizziness, fatigue. Long term exposure damages kidneys, liver, and may cause cancer.
Skin: sores and lesions, irritation, and long term exposure may cause cancer.
Ingestion: over long periods can damage kidneys, liver, and may cause cancer.
Pimlico Poison Mystery
Adelaide had been seeing Reverend George Dyson for spiritual counseling and people believed they were having an affair. Dyson had bought chloroform shortly before Thomas's death. Any large purchase of chloroform had to be documented by the pharmacists (it was an anesthetic at the time), but Dyson's purchase went unnoticed because he bought four small bottles at different pharmacies instead of one large bottle. In court, he claimed he needed it to remove stains from his shirts and did not realize how suspicious his purchase was.
Adelaide was acquitted because they could not prove how she had gotten the Thomas to ingest the chloroform without damaging his throat.