From the Research
Pentachlorophenol exposure is strongly associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including lymph, blood, nasopharynx, gallbladder, pancreas, respiratory system, and liver cancers, as evidenced by a recent ecological study 1.
Side Effects of Pentachlorophenol Exposure
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a toxic chemical that can cause serious side effects, including:
- Skin irritation and burning sensations
- Respiratory problems
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- Increased heart rate
- Convulsions
- Kidney and liver damage
- Death in severe cases Long-term exposure to PCP has been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and damage to the immune system 2, 3, 4.
Mechanism of Toxicity
The toxicity of PCP stems from its ability to disrupt cellular energy production by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, which explains why fever and increased metabolic rate are common symptoms of exposure.
Prevention and Treatment
If exposure to PCP occurs, it is essential to:
- Immediately remove contaminated clothing
- Wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and water
- Seek medical attention Those working with PCP should use proper protective equipment, including gloves, respirators, and protective clothing.
Cancer Risk
The most recent and highest quality study 1 found that high-level exposure to PCP is associated with a significantly increased risk of various cancers, including:
- Lymph cancer (SRR = 19.44,95% CI = 15.00-25.19)
- Blood cancer (SRR = 17.24,95% CI = 12.92-23.01)
- Nasopharynx cancer (SRR = 3.97,95% CI = 3.75-4.21)
- Gallbladder cancer (SRR = 3.46,95% CI = 3.09-3.87)
- Pancreas cancer (SRR = 3.41,95% CI = 3.07-3.79)
- Respiratory system cancer (SRR = 3.41,95% CI = 3.27-3.57)
- Liver cancer (SRR = 3.31,95% CI = 3.09-3.56)
Overall, the evidence suggests that PCP exposure is a significant health risk, and measures should be taken to minimize exposure and prevent adverse health effects.