Pentachlorophenol is used as a protective coating on beams. Occupational exposure occurs mainly through the skin. This substance acts as an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation. There are several controversies for chronic pentachlorophenol poisoning , due to the presence of trace amounts of dioxin found as end products during the production process of the substance.
Overexposure to such a substance leads to a state of hypermetabolism similar to that seen with dinitro compounds, but without the Yellowish discoloration of the skin.
Diagnosis and treatment
Chemical tests are of little assistance to the clinician except to identify the type of compound. Treatment follows the same course of action as dinitro-compound poisoning.
Source: Vadecum of poisoning therapy by Roy Goulding
