Pentachlorophenol

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a manufactured chemical produced as a pesticide and disinfectant. It is a chlorophenol with a role as a human xenobiotic metabolite with chemical formula C₆HCI₅O. The physical property of pentachlorophenol is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It is a highly toxic, noncombustible, organochlorine compound used as a pesticide and wood preservative.

Since its production in the 1930s, the organochlorine compound’s applications were in the agricultural settings, masonry, leather, wood preservation, paper, cooling-tower water, and rope. However, because of its toxicity, PCP was banned in many countries since May 2015, but not in the United States.

In its pure form, pentachlorophenol has a strong phenolic odor. You can smell the chemical in the water at less than 12 ppm.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PCP is a possible human carcinogen. Therefore, individuals exposed to the chemical should take the necessary action to prevent the risks of getting cancer. Additionally, the EPA has stated that PCP has the potential to cause problems or damages to the liver, nervous system, thyroid, immune system, reproduction, and development.

The approved technologies to remove PCP from drinking water includes the use of granular activated carbon (GAC). Almost all of the water filter systems nowadays incorporate activated carbon as one of their premium filter media to remove pentachlorophenol to below the MCL. Therefore, installing a water filter unit with granular activated carbon (GAC) can reduce the presence of PCP and other chemicals and contaminants in your tap water.