Pentachlorophenol (C6Cl5OH)

Other names

PCP, Santophen, Pentachlorol, Chlorophen, Chlon, Dowicide 7, Pentacon, Penwar, Sinituho, Penta

CAS Number

87-86-5

Properties

  • needle-shaped, white crystals

Main sources

  • herbicide
  • insecticide
  • fungicide (wood protection agent)
  • algaecide
  • disinfectant

Thresholds for the reporting requirement of facilities in accordance with Annex 2 PRTRO

(Ordinance on the Register relating to Pollutant Release and the Transfer of Waste and of Pollutants in Waste Water)

  • Air               10 kg/year
  • Water          1 kg/year
  • Soil              1 kg/year

Impacts

  • suspected carcinogenic effect
  • very toxic to humans, animals and aquatic organisms
  • low degree of biodegradability; detected in bodies of water, sediments, rainwater, drinking water, aquatic organisms, soil, foodstuffs, breast milk, fatty tissue and urine

Measures

  • limited use in anti-fouling paint and other products
  • banned since 1989 in Switzerland

Further information

Contact
Last modification 16.12.2016

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