Assessment of pentachlorophenol-exposed timber workers using a test-of-poisoning model

Int J Occup Environ Health. 2001 Jul-Sep;7(3):189-94. doi: 10.1179/107735201800339416.

Abstract

Sixty-two former New Zealand timber workers who were exposed to pentachlorophenol (PCP) at work were interviewed, examined, and assessed both by laboratory investigations and psychometrically for clinical syndromes that could be related to PCP exposure. Three such syndromes were identified: an acute complex of fever, headaches, upper and lower respiratory tract and eye irritation, skin disease, and foul smelling and discolored sweat; a chronic fatigue syndrome, beginning while still at work and frequently persisting; and a delayed encephalopathy. Neither of the sustained syndromes was considered characteristic of PCP poisoning, and many confounders were identified. An exposure index and a test-of-poisoning score had a statistically insignificant correlation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic
  • Herbicides / poisoning*
  • Humans
  • Industry
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • New Zealand / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Occupational Exposure / analysis*
  • Occupational Exposure / classification
  • Pentachlorophenol / poisoning*
  • Prevalence
  • Wood*

Substances

  • Herbicides
  • Pentachlorophenol