Chlorphenols are chemical compounds that are harmful to human health and it is important to determine how much is available in all products, including leather, in the textile industry. The major chlorphenols are Pentachlorophenol (PCP), Trichlorophenol (TCP), Tetrachlorophenol (TECP), Monochlorophenol (MCP) and Dichlorophenol (DCP).

Some of them were used as antiseptic and disinfectant to control bacteria, mold, fungi and mites. Today, it is mainly used in forestry protection of trees and paper industry. It is also mixed with paint and glue as a preservative in the textile sector.

However, chlorphenols are dangerous to human health. Some of them are easily absorbed by the skin and spread to the body. It accumulates in the liver and kidney in the body and causes poisoning.

Some chlorphenols are used in textile industry to prevent bad odors due to bacteria formation caused by sweating in socks, shoes and sportswear.

These chlorphenols, which can be absorbed through the skin, are thought to cause reproductive disorders. Due to these disadvantages, restrictions on the use of chlorphenol in textile products and leather garments have been imposed.

Accredited laboratories carry out tests and analyzes to determine the amounts of chlorphenol (PCP - TCP - TECP) in the skin within the scope of specific tests. These studies are based on standards published by domestic and foreign organizations. The standards considered to quantify chlorphenol (PCP - TCP - TECP) in the skin are:

• TS EN ISO 17070 Leather - Chemical experiments - Determination of tetrachlorophenol (TECP), trichlorophenol (TCP), dichlorophenol (DCP) and monochlorophenol (MCP) isomers and pentachlorophenol (PCP) content
• ISO 17070 (IULTCS / IUC 25) Skin - Chemical tests - Determination of pentachlorophenol content
• DIN 53313 Skin test - Determination of pentachlorphenol (PCP) content
• 64 LFGB B 82.02-8 Leather and textile - Chemical experiments - Determination of pentachlorophenol content