Pentachlorophenol

GENERAL INFORMATION
Pentachlorophenol is a white organic solid with needle-like crystals and a phenolic odor. The greatest use of pentachlorophenol is as a wood preservative (fungicide). Though once widely used as an herbicide, it was banned in 1987 for these and other uses, as well as for any over-the-counter sales. The major source of pentachlorophenol in drinking water is discharge from wood-preserving factories.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Some people who drink water containing pentachlorophenol well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could experience problems with their liver or kidneys and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Standard value 1: 
1.00
Standard units 1: 
ppb
Input units: 
ug/L
ppb
Contaminant group: 
SVOC
Standard type 1: 
MCL
Action is recommended 1: 

MCL ADVISORY - ACTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Pentachlorophenollevels were detected in your water sample to exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL).

Action is optional 1: 

ACTION IS OPTIONAL
Pentachlorophenol levels were detected in your water sample but do not exceed the maximum contaminant level.

Typical range in Ohio: 
detection suggest human source
Major sources in drinking water: 
Discharge from wood preserving factories
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) are considered the best available technologies (BAT) for treatment of many organic contaminants including organic pesticides, volatile organic compound (VOCs), and Trihalomethanes (THMs) (by-products of chlorination). Treatment can be at the tap (called point of use or POU) or the entire house.

Website resources: 

WEBSITE RESOURCES

Fact sheets: 

FACT SHEETS