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PCP
review catalogues adverse effects
Marketing
and use of the fungicide and insecticide pentachlorophenol (PCP) was restricted
by an EU Directive in 1991, with exceptions for wood and textile treatment, as a
synthesis agent in industrial processes and for treatment of historical buildings.
All amateur uses are banned. Germany has instituted a full ban on the use of
PCP, basing its action on the legal basis of the EU Treaty which enables member
states to apply higher environmental standards than a Directive if they can
justify the need.
The Commission may follow the German example—and is requiring those member
states that wish to continue the limited use of PCP to conduct a review of its
uses. A study of available substitutes for PCP is in progress, and the
Commission will decide this year whether to propose a complete ban.
Rhône-Poulenc ceased production in 1992, but about 1,500 tonnes are imported
into the EU annually.
As part of the on-going review process, the UK Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP) has reviewed PCP and similar compounds. Concerns about PCP have focused on the likely contamination by dioxin during production. PCP is also a Red List chemical regarded as dangerous to the aquatic environment. The review considers that:
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The immune system can be adversely affected by PCP.
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Until further genotoxic data were available, no definite conclusion could be drawn.
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It is considered advisable that PCP be assumed to be a possible human carcinogen.
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PCP may be foetotoxic, but the reproductive toxicity is currently not fully assessed by conventional reproductive toxicity tests.
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Ill effects on users have been reported and include headaches, nausea, vomiting, irritation to mucousal membranes, anxiety and depression, chloracne and dermatitis and haematological disorders.
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There is sonic potential for contamination of groundwater.
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PCP is toxic to rats, and invertebrates including earthworms.
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Very low levels of PCP (3 µg/I) can affect the reproduction of some aquatic species, and levies of 20-100 µg/I over time can cause mortality of some fish.
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PCP can be found in low levels in the atmosphere and rainwater.
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Although there is no direct evidence of significant environmental release through use of PCP as a wood preservative, intermittent high levels can be detected around some large chemical, petrochemical and steel manufacturers and industrial areas.
In
spite of these findings, the continued approvals of PCP for industrial timber
pre-treatment, professional wood treatment. Surely these known hazards and data
gaps should mandate an immediate EU ban?
Review of the use of pentachlorophenol, its salts and esters in wood preservatives and surface biocides, Evaluation Document prepared by Health and Safety Executive, Pesticides Registrations Section, Bootle L20 3QZ, December 1994.