US EPA

EPA is conducting a peer review of the scientific basis supporting the human health hazard and dose-response assessment of pentachlorophenol that will appear in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) database.

The draft Toxicological Review of Pentachlorophenol provides scientific support and rationale for the hazard and dose-response assessment pertaining to chronic exposure to pentachlorophenol. Pentachlorophenol is a wood preservative used to prevent decay from fungal organisms and insect damage. Use by the public was restricted in 1984, and application was limited to industrial areas. It has been reported in food, surface water, groundwater, rainwater, and soil. People who work or reside in close proximity to wood treatment facilities, treated lumber, or hazardous waste sites are likely exposed.

This assessment contains a revised oral reference dose (RfD) for chronic noncancer health effects as well as a revised oral cancer risk estimate.

The draft Toxicological Review of Pentachlorophenol provides scientific support and rationale for the hazard and dose-response assessment pertaining to chronic exposure to pentachlorophenol.

Following the External Peer Review, the final assessment will be published on the IRIS database.

U.S. EPA. IRIS Toxicological Review of Pentachlorophenol (External Review Draft). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/635/R-09/004, 2009.

Comments on the assessment may be submitted and reviewed using the e-Government Regulations.gov Web site. From the site, select Environmental Protection Agency and the keyword EPA-HQ-ORD-2009-0178 (for the docket ID) to comment on this report.