Chloroform was once used as a general anesthetic in surgery, but it has been replaced by safer alternatives like ether due to its potential to depress the central nervous system and cause health issues upon inhalation.

Chloroform is utilized as a solvent for fats, alkaloids, iodine, and other substances. Its major contemporary application is in the production of the freon refrigerant R-22.

Direct skin contact with methylene chloride causes intense burning and mild redness. Eye contact can burn the cornea. These effects highlight the importance of handling this compound with caution due to its potential harm to human health.

Exposure to methylene chloride in air can lead to impaired hearing and vision at lower levels, while higher levels can cause dizziness, nausea, and tingling in fingers and toes. Methylene chloride harms the human central nervous system.

Carbon compounds with more than one halogen atom are termed polyhalogen compounds. Dichloromethane finds applications as a solvent, paint remover, propellant in aerosols, and in drug manufacturing as well as metal cleaning and finishing.