Comparative renal and hepatotoxicity of halomethanes: bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform, dibromochloromethane and methylene chloride.

The renal and hepatotoxicities of five selected halomethanes, which are drinking water contaminants, were evaluated following a 14-day exposure. Bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform, dibromochloromethane and methylene chloride were administered at three dose levels. Toxicity was evaluated by measuring changes in total body weight, uptake of p-aminohippurate into renal cortical slices, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase levels and by performing a histopathologic examination of liver and kidney tissues. Dose-related effects on the liver and kidney were detected with the uptake of p-aminohippurate into kidney slices and with the histopathologic evaluation of tissues. Treatment-related effects seen in the methylene chloride exposed mice were less pronounced as compared to the other halomethane treatment groups. In general, histopathological changes were the most sensitive indicators of both liver and kidney damage.