Chemical name: Phenol, pentachloro-

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Pesticide

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Banned

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

Prohibited for use as a pesticide. Reasons for the control action: irritant, readily absorbed through the skin, recorded cases of poisoning of workers.

Pesticide use or uses that remain allowed:

The use is banned as an agricultural chemical- herbicide.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes

Summary of the final regulatory action:

Banned by decree of former USSR Ministry of Health

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health and environment

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Most of the available information regarding effects of pentachlorophenol in humans comes from cases of acute overexposure following the home use of PCP in wood preservation and herbicides, and occupational exposure in agriculture and the wood treatment industry. the few available industrial surveys and epidemiological studies are limited in their usefulness because of small sample size, short follow-up periods and brief exposure periods. Nevertheless, these studies suggest that PCP can adversely affect the liver, skin, blood, lungs and central nervous system.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health:

Reduction of hazards and harmful impact to human health.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

PCP is highly toxic to fish, aquatic organisms, birds, and useful insects. The relatively volatility and mobility of PCP and the water solubility of its ionized form have lead to the widespread contamination of all environmental sectors, and a long-range dissemination of this compound. PCP will leach from treated wood, volatilise from treated surfaces and may get into waterways, adversely affecting fish.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to the environment:

Reduction of hazards and risks to the environment.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/1986