Reviews of the environmental effects of pollutants: XI. Chlorophenols

This study reviews the health and environmental effects of chlorophenols. It includes discussions of physical and chemical properties; analytical methods; biological aspects in microorganisms, plants, animals, and humans; environmental distribution and transformation; and environmental interactions and their consequences. All of the economically or environmentally important chlorophenol isomers are reviewed: 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, tetrachlorophenols, and pentachlorophenol. Approximately 400 references are cited. Chronic toxicity of chlorophenols to humans has not been documented. Available data indicate that chlorophenols do not possess tumorigenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic properties. Several isomers may be embryotoxic. 2-Chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol may promote tumors in mice. Available data fail to suggest a direct carcinogenic potential of any of the isomers reviewed.