Common Name: Pentachlorophenol CAS Number: 87-86-5 DOT Number: NA 2020 Date: October 30, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Pentachlorophenol can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. It can pass very quickly through the skin and may cause fatal poisoning. * Pentachlorophenol may damage the developing fetus and may cause mutations handle with extreme caution. * Exposure can cause poisoning, with symptoms of sweating, trouble in breathing, high fever, rapid pulse, and pain in the chest or abdomen. Without treatment, death may occur quickly. * It can damage the liver and kidneys. * Contact can cause severe irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. IDENTIFICATION Pentachlorophenol is a light brown solid or it may be in solution. It has a pungent odor when hot and it is used in making pesticides and fungicides. REASON FOR CITATION * Pentachlorophenol is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. * Pentachlorophenol may cause mutations. All contact with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible level. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Pentachlorophenol and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Pentachlorophenol to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Pentachlorophenol: * Exposure can lead to poisoning that is rapidly fatal. Even small amounts passing through the skin can cause sweating, high fever, trouble breathing, pain in the chest and abdomen, and death. * Contact can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. It can also irritate the skin, causing a rash or burning feeling on contact. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Pentachlorophenol and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Pentachlorophenol may cause mutations (genetic changes) in living cells. Whether or not it poses a cancer hazard needs further study. Reproductive Hazard * Pentachlorophenol may damage the developing fetus. * There is limited evidence that Pentachlorophenol is a teratogen in animals. Until further testing has been done, it should be treated as a possible teratogen in humans. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure may damage the liver. * Pentachlorophenol can cause bronchitis, with cough and phlegm. * Long term contact can cause an acne like skin rash. * High or repeated exposure may damage the kidneys. * Chronic poisoning may cause weight loss, weakness, and excessive sweating. MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Urine test for Pentachlorophenol. * Liver and kidney function tests. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Commercial Pentachlorophenol is likely to be contaminated with Dioxin, which is also very toxic. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following control recommended: * Where possible, automatically transfer Pentachlorophenol from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Pentachlorophenol should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Pentachlorophenol. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Pentachlorophenol, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Pentachlorophenol is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean up. DO NOT DRY SWEEP. * When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Pentachlorophenol. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. * ACGIH recommends Neoprene as a good to excellent protective material. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquids containing Pentachlorophenol and dustproof goggles when working with the solid, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 0.5 mg/m3, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. * Exposure to 150 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 150 mg/m3 exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: Pentachlorophenol DOT Number: NA 2020 DOT Emergency Guide code: 53 CAS Number: 87-86-5 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 0/2 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Pentachlorophenol is a non combustible solid. Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire (The material itself does not burn). * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen Chloride and Chlorinated Phenols. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Pentachlorophenol is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Ventilate the area of spill or leak. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Pentachlorophenol as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Pentachlorophenol must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE, and FLUORINE) because violent reactions occur. * Prior to working with Pentachlorophenol you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. Antidotes and Special Procedures * If the person is running a high fever try to lower temperature by soaking the clothing with water and applying ice packs to arm pit and groin areas. Do not delay transfer. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0.0002 mm Hg at 68oF Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Phenol, Pentachloro Other Names and Formulations: PCP; Penta; Dowicide 7. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Pentachlorophenol and its sodium salt are commonly used pesticides in the United States. The main uses of Pentachlorophenol in these forms are in the treatment of wood products for preservation and in its application as a wide-spectrum fungicide and bactericide. Pentachlorophenol may enter the environment from treated wood, industrial discharges, municipal waste treatment plant discharges, spills, or agricultural runoff. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. The toxicity of Pentachlorophenol to aquatic life increases as the pH of the water decreases. Pentachlorophenol has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Pentachlorophenol has caused plant and leaf kill and germination decrease in various agricultural and ornamental crops. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of Pentachlorophenol to birds or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Pentachlorophenol has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Pentachlorophenol to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Pentachlorophenol is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Pentachlorophenol is moderately persistent in water, with a half- life of between 20 to 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 48% of Pentachlorophenol will eventually end up in terrestrial soil; about 45% will end up in aquatic sediments; about 5.3% will end up in water; and about 1.4% will end up in air. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of Pentachlorophenol found in fish tissues is expected to be much higher than the average concentration of Pentachlorophenol in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, Phytotox.