We do not know whether pentachlorophenol causes birth defects in people. It caused a decrease in the number of offspring born to animals that were exposed to it while they were pregnant. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined that pentachlorophenol is possibly carcinogenic to humans. This conclusion is based on animal studies that showed an increased risk of cancer, specifically in the livers and adrenal glands of mice. There is no good evidence that pentachlorophenol can cause cancer in people.
Laboratory tests can measure pentachlorophenol in the blood, urine, and body tissues.
These tests are only useful shortly after you are exposed because pentachlorophenol leaves the body fairly quickly. These tests do not tell you how much pentachlorophenol you've been exposed to or if your health will be harmed. The tests are not routinely available at your doctor's office. These agencies advise avoiding eye and skin contact because this may be a route of significant exposure. A substance that can kill living things.