Carbon tetrachloride poisoning from an antique fire extinguisher

Household exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is rare in the United States as it is no longer utilized due to concerns about toxicity. Prior to being phased out of regular use, CCl4 had been used as a component of fire extinguishers, cleaning agents, degreasing agents, and solvents [1]. CCl4 is a volatile liquid that causes hepatotoxicity by oxidative damage after it is activated via CYP2E1 metabolism (with CYP3A contributing at higher concentrations of CCl4) to a trichloromethyl radical [2,3].

Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - July 22, 2020 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Christopher W. Meaden, Gabrielle Procoprio, Diane P. Calello, Lewis S. Nelson, Bruce Ruck, Amit Gupta, Jeena E. Jacob Source Type: research