[Neuro-otologic diagnosis after long-term exposure to wood preservatives containing pentachlorophenol]

We examined the possible vestibulotoxicity of 16 patients subject to chronic exposure to wood preservatives containing pentachlorophenol. A vestibular test battery showed no abnormal findings except in one patient with pre-existing Menière's disease. The discrepancy between a clear history of exposure contrasted with the normal vestibular finding, and illustrates the diagnostic problems in patients chronically exposed to wood preservative.