Introduction

          Chloroform has a chemical formula of CHCl3, which means it is made up of one molecule of Carbon, a molecule of Hydrogen and three molecules of Chlorine.  It is commonly found as a colorless liquid.  It has a pleasant non-irritating odor along with a slightly sweet taste.  Chloroform is considered to be a VOC or volatile organic compound, which means that it can be easily evaporated into the air.  CHCl3 does not burn easily but will at very high temperatures.
          This molecule is a biproduct that is produced when we use chlorine to destroy harmful bacteria found in drinking and waste water.  It is also produced by the chlorination of methane.  Only a small amount of chloroform is produced under these conditions.  Nearly all chloroform made in the United States is created in factories in order to make other chemicals.    Since CHCl3 can easily evaporate it can enter the air directly from chloroform contaminated water and soil.