Chloroethane Publisher



Babaahmadi AK^{1, 2} ; Armandeh M^{1, 2}
Source: Encyclopedia of Toxicology# Fourth Edition: Volume 1-9 Published:2023

Abstract

Chloroethane, also known as ethyl chloride, is a versatile organic compound used in gasoline additives, polymers, anesthetics, and as a refrigerant in industry. Exposure to levels of more than 40,000ppm via inhalation for a few hours causes symptoms of neurotoxicity and pathological alterations in the lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, and spleen, leading to death in some species. Chronic exposure to 15,000ppm in mice resulted in mild nephrotoxicity. After a few breaths of 20,000-40,000ppm, in humans, mild eye discomfort, slight stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, and disorientation were noted, while more prolonged exposure caused temporary drowsiness, dizziness, poor coordination, and unconsciousness. Anesthesia doses of chloroethane have induced cardiac depression in some cases due to vagus nerve stimulation, resulting in arrhythmia and death. Abusers who inhaled chloroethane on a regular basis had serious brain damage. Chloroethane is classified as an animal carcinogen with no known human implications. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.