Wood preservatives

With their biocidal agents, chemical wood preservatives prevent damage to wood. A distinction is made between fungicides, which prevent wood being destroyed or discoloured by fungi, and insecticides for preventing wood damage caused by insects. In terms of indoor air quality, the wood preservatives pentachlorophenol (PCP) and lindane play a particularly significant role especially due to their widespread use, toxic effects and emission patterns.

The active ingredients in the wood preservatives are emitted from the treated materials over a period of several years. Consequently, like many of insecticides, they can be detected in many indoor rooms. An effective approach is to examine the treated materials and the house dust as well as taking air samples.