Although not as toxic as many similar compounds, inhaled or ingested 1,1,1-trichloroethane does act as a central nervous system depressant and can cause effects similar to those of ethanol intoxication, including dizziness, confusion, and, in sufficiently high concentrations, unconsciousness and death. Fatal poisonings and illnesses linked to intentional inhalation of trichloroethane have been reported. The removal of the chemical from correction fluid commenced due to Proposition 65 declaring it hazardous and toxic.
Prolonged skin contact with the liquid can result in the removal of fats from the skin, resulting in skin irritation.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer places 1,1,1-trichloroethane in Group 2A as a probable carcinogen.