NIOSH Skin Notation Profiles: Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
January 2019
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2019-120
As the largest organ of the body, the skin performs multiple critical functions, such as serving as the primary barrier to the external environment. For this reason, the skin is often exposed to potentially hazardous agents, including chemicals, which may contribute to the onset of a spectrum of adverse health effects ranging from localized damage (such as irritant contact dermatitis and corrosion) to induction of immune-mediated responses (such as allergic contact dermatitis and pulmonary responses), or systemic toxicity (such as neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity). Understanding the hazards related to skin contact with chemicals is a critical component of modern occupational safety and health programs.
This skin notation profile presents (1) a brief summary of epidemiological and toxicological data associated with skin contact with PCP and (2) the rationale behind the hazard-specific skin notation (SK) assignment for PCP. The SK assignment is based on the scientific rationale and logic outlined in the Current Intelligence Bulletin 61: A Strategy for Assigning New NIOSH Skin Notations [NIOSH 2009]. The summarized information and health hazard assessment are limited to an evaluation of the potential health effects of dermal exposure to PCP. A literature search was conducted through February 2018 to identify information on PCP, including but not limited to data relating to its dermal absorption, acute toxicity, repeated-dose systemic toxicity, carcinogenicity, biological system/function–specific effects (including reproductive and developmental effects and immunotoxicity), irritation, and sensitization. Information was considered from studies of humans, animals, or appropriate modeling systems that are relevant to assessing the effects of dermal exposure to PCP. The criteria for the search strategy, evaluation, and selection of data are described in Appendix E in Current Intelligence Bulletin 61: A Strategy for Assigning New NIOSH Skin Notations [NIOSH 2009].
NIOSH Skin Notation Profiles: Pentachlorophenol (PCP) [PDF – 3 MB]
Suggested Citation
NIOSH [2019]. NIOSH skin notation profile: pentachlorophenol (PCP). By Hudson NL. Cincinnati,OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2019-120, DOI: https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2019120.