Chloroform is mainly used in the production of refrigerants (e.g., CFC-22, CFC-22), in the production of plastics (especially vinyl chloride), and in the manufacture of other chemicals. Chloroform is used as an extraction solvent for fats, oils, oils, rubbers, waxes, gutta-percha, resins, lacquers, floor polish, rayon products, gels and adhesives. It is used as an industrial solvent for the extraction and purification of some antibiotics, alkaloids, vitamins and fragrances. It is used as a solvent in organic chemistry, photography, dyes, pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Other uses include as a dry cleaner to remove stains, as a fumigant and to lower the freezing temperature of carbon tetrachloride in fire extinguishers. Chloroform formulated with other ingredients is used to control spiralworms in animals. Chloroform is gradually being replaced by less toxic solvents and may no longer be used in some of these applications. Its use as an inhaled anesthetic in surgery has largely ceased.

Chloroform is slightly soluble in water. It is miscible with alcohol, benzene, petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide and oil. Chloroform reacts strongly with strong corrosive agents, strong oxidants, chemically active metals such as aluminum, lithium, magnesium, sodium or potassium, and acetone, causing fire and explosion hazards. It can attack plastics, rubber and paint. Chloroform decomposes slowly in the presence of light and air. It also dissolves when in contact with hot surfaces, flames, or fire, forming an irritating and toxic smoke composed of hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and chlorine.

Exposure to chloroform occurs mainly through respiration or skin contact. Exposure to steam can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. At low concentrations, chloroform can cause dizziness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and headache. Higher doses can cause changes in respiratory rate, cardiac effects (such as irregular heartbeat), gastrointestinal effects (such as nausea and vomiting), and effects on the liver and kidneys that induce anesthesia. Exposure to very high levels can lead to death. The lethal dose of oral chloroform can be as low as 10 ml (14.8 g) and can result in death from respiratory or cardiac arrest. Long-term breathing or ingestion of chloroform may damage the liver (e.g., hepatitis and jaundice), kidneys, skin, and central nervous system (e.g., depression and irritability). Skin contact with this fluid can cause a rash or burning sensation. Repeated skin contact may produce dermatitis. Absorption is rapid through intact skin. This fluid can cause severe eye burns. Chloroform is a possible carcinogen (carcinogenic agent), which may be teratogenic (may cause fetal malformation).