How to Test for Chloroform

Chloroform is a colorless liquid used to make other chemicals. Manufacturing plants and chlorinated water released by sewage plants are the primary sources of chloroform in the environment. Due to its tendency to evaporate, chloroform is found predominantly in the air, where it dissipates more slowly than it does in groundwater, soil, plants or animals. The presence of chloroform in the air is generally the first indication that the surrounding animals and vegetation are also exposed. Prolonged inhalation of chloroform affects the central nervous system and kidneys. Consequently, it is important to properly test suspected chloroform contamination sites.

Things You'll Need

• Chloroform detector tube
• Sampling pump

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase a chloroform detector tube and sampling pump from your local medical or industrial supply retailer.

• 2

  Insert the bulbous tips of the detector tube into the "Tip Breaker" of the pump. Turn the tube clockwise for one full rotation and break each end off.

• 3

  Insert the tube into the rubber inlet of the pump. Ensure that the arrow on the tube is pointing downward.

• 4

  Push the pump handle completely inward and adjust it so that the red line on the back plate of the pump aligns with the triangular shaped guide mark on the handle.

• 5

  Collect an air sample for measurement. Firmly hold the pump in one hand. Point the tube in the general direction of the sampling area. Pull the handle back with the other hand until it is fully extended.

• 6

  Hold the position for two minutes. Unlock the handle by turning it a quarter to the left. Repeat the above procedure one more time.

• 7

  Extract the tube from the rubber inlet and measure the concentration of chloroform in the sampling area based on the inference table and guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the detector tube.