State the uses and harmful effects of trichloromethane (chloroform) $(CHCl_3)$.

(N/A) Uses of Chloroform:
It is used as a solvent for fats,alkaloids,iodine,and other substances. Currently,its major use is in the production of the freon refrigerant $R-22$.
Previously,it was used as a general anesthetic in surgery,but it has been replaced by safer and less toxic anesthetics like ether.
$(b)$ Harmful Effects of Chloroform:
Chloroform is an anesthetic; inhaling its vapors depresses the central nervous system.
Inhalation of air containing $900$ parts per million $(ppm)$ of chloroform for a short time can cause dizziness,fatigue,and headache.
Chronic exposure to chloroform can damage the liver and kidneys (it is metabolized to phosgene in the liver).
Direct skin contact with chloroform can cause sores.
$(c)$ Storage of Chloroform:
Chloroform is stored in dark-colored bottles because it is slowly oxidized by air $(O_2)$ in the presence of light to form the highly poisonous gas carbonyl chloride ($COCl_2$,phosgene).
To prevent this,it is stored in dark-colored bottles filled to the brim.
$2CHCl_3 + O_2 \rightarrow 2COCl_2 + 2HCl$
Phosgene $(COCl_2)$ is a toxic gas that causes damage to the liver and kidneys.