Chloroformism

/ˌklɔːroʊˈfɔːrmɪzəm/ noun

Definition

A condition of chronic poisoning or addiction caused by prolonged exposure to or use of chloroform.

Etymology

From chloroform + -ism suffix denoting a condition, disease, or system. This medical term emerged in the late 19th century when doctors and nurses began experiencing harmful effects from regular chloroform exposure.

Kelly Says

Medical professionals who administered chloroform regularly suffered from chloroformism without fully understanding it was a poisoning condition—the chemical damaged their livers and nervous systems, making it one of the first recognized occupational diseases in medicine.

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