Target organ toxicology of halocarbons commonly found contaminating drinking water

Some of the most frequent drinking water contaminants are organic halocarbons. This paper will initially summarize the target organ effects of three halocarbons: 1,2-dichloroethane, tetrachloroethylene, and trichloroethylene. Following the brief summaries, a more detailed description of the oral hepatoxicity of carbon tetrachloride is presented. Data are provided that indicate that the hepatotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride is enhanced when administered by corn oil gavage when compared to aqueous suspension gavage.