Preliminary investigations of pentachlorophenol emissions from biocide-treated masonry: a source of indoor air contamination

An empty, unoccupied basement room in Melton Constable Hall, Norfolk (England), was chosen as a case study to determine whether pentachlorophenol (PCP) treatment of masonry could significantly elevate PCP concentrations in indoor air, thus posing a potential health hazard. This particular room was chosen because it contained a vast quantity of crystalline PCP on the surface of a previously treated wall, and, being rarely used, was less likely to be subject to any external sources of PCP contamination. Analysis of dust debris, airborne particulates, passively deposited suspended particulates and volatile PCP emissions from the contaminated surface showed no evidence that inhalation was a probable route of PCP exposure.