What is Pentachlorophenol?
CAS#: 000087-86-5
Pentachlorophenol is a manufactured chemical that does not
occur naturally. Pure pentachlorophenol exists as colorless
crystals. Impure pentachlorophenol (the form usually found at
hazardous waste sites) is dark gray to brown and exists as dust,
beads, or flakes. Humans are usually exposed to impure pentachlorophenol
(also called technical grade pentachlorophenol).
Pentachlorophenol was widely used as a pesticide and wood
preservative. Since 1984, the purchase and use of pentachlorophenol
has been restricted to certified applicators. It is no longer
available to the general public. It is still used industrially
as a wood preservative for utility poles, railroad ties, and
wharf pilings.
Related Resources for Pentachlorophenol
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CERCLA Priority List of Hazardous Substances
Prioritization of substances based on a combination of their
frequency, toxicity, and potential for human exposure at
National Priorities List (NPL) sites.
- Minimal Risk Levels (MRL)
The MRL is an estimate of the daily human exposure to a hazardous substance that is likely to be without appreciable risk of adverse, non-cancer health effects over a specified duration of exposure. The information in this MRL serves as a screening tool to help public health professionals decide where to look more closely to evaluate possible risk of adverse health effects from human exposure.
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National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals
Provides an ongoing assessment of the exposure of
the U.S. population to environmental chemicals using biomonitoring.
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Public Health Statement
Summary about a hazardous substance taken from Chapter One
of its respective ATSDR Toxicological Profile.
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ToxFAQ
Fact sheet that answers the most frequently asked questions
about a contaminant and its health effects.
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Toxicological Profile
Succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health
effects information for a hazardous substance.