| Agent Name |
Pentachlorophenol |
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| CAS Number |
87-86-5 |
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| Formula |
C6-H-Cl5-O |
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| Major Category |
Pesticides |
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| Synonyms |
Sodium pentochlorophenate [ATSDR Case Studies # 23] Dowicide; PCP; Penchlorol; Penta; Penta Plus; Pentachloral; Pentacon; Penwar; Priltox; Santobrite; Santophen; Sinituho; Weedone; [EXTOXNET] |
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| Category |
Fungicides |
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| Description |
Colorless to white, crystalline solid with a benzene-like odor; [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used as an industrial wood preservative for power-line poles, cross arms, fence posts, railroad ties, and wharf pilings; no longer used to treat wood products for log homes, outdoor furniture, or playground equipment; registered by EPA as a restricted-use pesticide since 1984; no longer registered for use as a pesticide (termiticide), fungicide, herbicide, molluscicide, disinfectant, or paint anti-fouling agent; it's use as a slimicide in cooling towers is being phased out; non-wood uses account for less than 2% of US consumption; PCP is manufactured at only one facility in the US (Wichita, Kansas). [ATSDR ToxProfiles] |
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| Comments |
PCP causes the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation resulting in the release of cellular energy as heat. Technical grade PCP is contaminated with furans, dioxins, and other chlorinated congeners. Liver injury and mild and transient renal dysfunction associated with pentachlorophenol poisoning have been reported. [ATSDR Case Studies #23]In acute poisoning, PCP causes hyperpyrexia, vascular collapse, and acute renal failure. [LaDou, p. 365-6] "PCP has caused chloracne in workers producing or using technical products." [ACGIH] Cases of aplastic anemia and leukemia were temporally associated with exposure to pentachlorophenol, but causality was not established. [EPA Pesticides] |
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| Restricted |
In 1987, EPA restricted the use of PCP to certified applicators. |
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| Reference Link |
EXTOXNET PIP - PENTACHLOROPHENOL (PCP) |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| BEI |
Total PCP in urine = 2 mg/g creatinine prior to last shift of workweek; Free PCP in plasma = 5 mg/L at end of shift; |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
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| Bioaccumulates |
Yes |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
0.5 mg/m3 |
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| PEL (OSHA) |
0.5 mg/m3 |
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| IDLH (NIOSH) | 2.5 mg/m3 |
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| Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Dusts are particularly irritating to the eyes and nose at concentrations greater than 1 mg/m3 but concentrations up to 2.4 mg/m3 have been tolerated by workers that have been conditioned [Clayton and Clayton 1981]. It has been reported that 401 mg/kg is the minimum lethal oral dose [Haley 1977]. [Note: An oral dose of 401 mg/kg is equivalent to a worker being exposed to about 19,000 mg/m3 for 30 minutes, assuming a breathing rate of 50 liters per minute and 100% absorption.] |
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| Vapor Pressure |
0.0001 mm Hg |
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| Half Life |
Urine (total PCP) or plasma (free PCP): 700 hours; [TDR, p. 1000] 19-20 days for urinary half-life of elimination following inhalation exposure in wood-treatment workers; [ATSDR ToxProfiles, p. 94-5] |
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| Reference Link |
ATSDR - ToxFAQs - Pentachlorophenol |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
0: will not burn |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Dermatotoxin |
Chloracne |
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| Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
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| Nephrotoxin |
Yes |
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| Other Poison |
Uncoupler |
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| IARC Carcinogen |
Possible Carcinogen |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: PENTACHLOROPHENOL
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