52.0k views
1 vote
What characteristic of chlorinated solvents could ultimately result in liver problems from cleaners?

a. acidity
b. alkalinity
c. fat-solubility
d. low surface tension

User Oenpelli
by
8.1k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The characteristic of chlorinated solvents leading to liver problems is their fat-solubility, as they can penetrate and damage liver cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristic of chlorinated solvents that could ultimately result in liver problems from cleaners is c. fat-solubility. Chlorinated solvents are fat-soluble, meaning that they can easily dissolve in fats and oils. This property allows them to penetrate the cell membranes of liver cells, which are made up of lipid bilayers. Once inside the liver cells, these solvents can cause cellular damage, leading to liver problems. It is the liver's role to detoxify substances, but excessive exposure to fat-soluble chlorinated solvents like carbon-tetrachloride and chloroform can overwhelm the liver's detoxification processes and cause toxicity or liver failure.