Many are suspected
experimental carcinogens. Most are strong
eye and skin irritants. They are systemic
irritants by inhalation, ingestion, and sh
contact. Generally mutagenic.
Trichlorophenols are generally poisons
and may be carcinogens. They may contain
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
(TCDD) as a contaminant. Some
trichlorophenols are used as herbicides (e.g.2,4,5-T and silvex). Human exposure map
cause chloracne, liver dysfunction, muscle
weakness, and prophyria.
routes. Human exposure causes increased
respiration, fever, tachycardia, muscle
weakness, and cardiac fdure. Many toxic
effects are due to impurities in commercialgrade material. A teratogen and mutagen.
Pentachlorophenol and 2,4,6
trichlorophenol may interfere with
mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation,
When heated to decomposition they emit
toxic fumes of Cl-. See also specific
compounds, PHENOL, and CHLORIDESPentachlorophenol is a poison by several
