carbon tetrachloride (CCI4)

Narcotic and toxic solvent classified as 'Class-B2' carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A member of the chlorinated-solvents group, it has a high (1.2) ozone depletion potential and, when burnt, decomposes into phosgene (carbon chloride) an extremely poisonous gas. Used in textile dry-cleaning, metal cleaning, and as a feedstock material, its manufacture and applications are strictly regulated, specially in developed countries.