Chloroethane is widely used as a topical anesthetic in medical settings, particularly for minor surgical procedures or skin treatments, due to its rapid evaporation that cools the skin and numbs the area. It is also employed as a refrigerant in certain cooling systems and as a blowing agent in the production of foam plastics. In industrial applications, it serves as a solvent for oils, fats, and waxes, as well as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals, including ethyl cellulose and tetraethyllead, though the latter use has declined due to environmental concerns. Additionally, it is sometimes used in laboratories as a reagent for chemical reactions.