Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and its salts and esters are listed under Annex A to the Stockholm Convention, with specific exemptions for the continued use of PCP for utility poles and cross-arms. Manufacturing of PCP is limited to only a small number of countries, with the use of PCP for treatment of timber also limited to a smaller number of nations. However, there are also a number of former uses for PCP and continued legacy issues from timber treated with PCP.
This document provides an analysis of chemical and non-chemical alternatives to PCP. Chemical alternatives, such as Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA), creosote-based products and various copper-based preservatives, offer reduced environmental harm compared to PCP. Additionally, non-chemical alternatives like concrete, steel, fiberglass reinforced composite (FRC) and heat-treated wood are explored for their feasibility in replacing PCP-treated wood, particularly in infrastructure applications like utility poles and railway cross-ties.
The document also highlights the environmental impacts, strengths and weaknesses of each alternative, emphasizing the use of life-cycle analysis (LCA) to comprehensively assess their environmental impact.
Within the framework of the “Global Development, Review and Update of NIPs under the Stockholm Convention on POPs” project to assist countries to review and update their NIP, the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP) is executing Component 4, which focuses on the dissemination of information, management of knowledge, and liaising with the Stockholm Convention Secretariat in providing information and tools to be integrated with existing materials and makes them easily accessible and understandable by all parties to the convention.