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• Chronic exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) – and sometimes acute exposure to very high concentrations – produces liver and kidney damage.
• CCl₄ is highly toxic. It is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals.

This educational case study is one in a series of self-instructional modules designed to increase the primary care provider’s knowledge of hazardous substances in the environment. The goal of Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEM) is to increase the primary care provider’s knowledge of hazardous substances in the environment and to help in the evaluation and treatment of potentially exposed patients. This CSEM focuses on carbon tetrachloride toxicity.

We gratefully acknowledge the work of the medical writers, editors, and reviewers in producing this educational resource. Contributors to this version of the “ATSDR Case Studies in Environmental Medicine: Carbon Tetrachloride Toxicity” are listed below.

Note: Each content expert for this case study has indicated that he or she has no conflict of interest that would bias the case study content.

CDC/ATSDR Author(s): Dianyi Yu, MD

CDC/ATSDR Planners: Germania Pinheiro, MD, PhD; Dianyi Yu, MD; John Doyle, MPA; Diana Cronin

CDC/ATSDR Commenters: Obaid Faroon, DVM, PhD; Kim Gehle, MD, MPH; Dan Middleton, MD; Alaina Steck, MD

Disclaimer

The state of knowledge regarding the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances in the environment is constantly evolving and is often uncertain. In developing its educational products, ATSDR has made a diligent effort to ensure the accuracy and the currency of the presented information. ATSDR, however, makes no claim that the environmental medicine and health education resources discussed in these products comprehensively address all possible situations related to various substances. The products are intended for educational use to build the knowledge of physicians and other health professionals in assessing the conditions and managing the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances. The products are not a substitute for a health care provider’s professional judgment. Please interpret the environmental medicine and the health education resources in light of specific information regarding the patient and in conjunction with other medical authorities.

Use of trade names in ATSDR products is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.