Which health effect is a result of carbon tetrachloride exposure?

Carbon tetrachloride is a chlorinated hydrocarbon that has historically been used in various industrial applications and as a solvent. When individuals are exposed to carbon tetrachloride, particularly through inhalation or skin contact, one of the significant health effects that can occur is liver damage, specifically cirrhosis. This condition arises because carbon tetrachloride is metabolized in the liver, leading to the formation of toxic by-products that cause cellular damage, inflammation, and eventually fibrosis. Prolonged exposure can lead to severe liver impairment, as the liver is unable to regenerate effectively in the presence of these ongoing insults.

The other options listed, while they describe serious health conditions, are not directly associated with carbon tetrachloride exposure. Psychosis is more commonly linked to other types of chemical exposures or environmental stressors. Cardiomyopathy typically relates to chronic alcohol abuse or certain drugs, and while neurological issues can occur from various toxic exposures, they are less specific to carbon tetrachloride compared to liver damage. Therefore, cirrhosis of the liver is the most relevant and direct consequence of exposure to this chemical.