Chloroform

Endpoint summary

Additional information

The relatively high values for the Henry's law constant and the vapour pressure of chloroform indicate that the substance is likely to be predominantly present in the air compartment when released into the environment. Due to its physico-chemical properties, chloroform in soil or surface water volatilises readily; at equilibrium, greater than 99 % is expected to partition to the atmosphere (Zok et al. 1998). Due to chloroform's water solubility, some wet deposition of atmospheric chloroform may occur, but subsequent revolatilisation is likely to be extensive (Diamond et al. 1994). Smaller amounts of environmental chloroform can be found in the aquatic environment. Chloroform has a low affinity for organic carbon (low Koc) and lipids (low Kow). Chloroform thus may readily pass through sandy soils or sediments and may reach the groundwater.