Phenol
CAS number 108-95-2
Description
Phenol is a colourless-to-white solid when pure. The commercial product is a liquid. Phenol has a distinct odour that is sickeningly sweet and tarry. You can taste and smell phenol at levels lower than those that are associated with harmful effects. Phenol evaporates more slowly than water, and a moderate amount can form a solution with water.
Uses
The main use of phenol is in the production of phenolic resins, which are used in the plywood, construction, automotive, and appliance industries.
Other uses of phenol include as a slimicide, as a disinfectant, and in medicinal products such as antiseptics, lozenges, plus lotions, salves, ointments, cosmetics, paints, polishes, adhesives, lacquers, varnishes and solvents.
Outside of occupational settings (where phenol is used in industrial processing) the general public may be exposed to low levels of phenol in food and consumer items such as floor waxes, cosmetics, antiseptics and disinfectants, and also through tobacco smoke.
It has also been found at low levels in drinking water, though wastage into the environment.
Why it can be problematic for human and animal health
Exposure to phenol can be through inhalation, ingestion or absorbed through the skin.
Phenol is shown in scientific literature as being associated with the following chronic health impacts:
- weight loss, muscle weakness and liver effects
- mouth sores, gastrointestinal tract irritation, cardiovascular, CNS and respiratory effects and decreased body weight
- ochronosis, skin irritation, skin eruption, inflammation and necrosis
- non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- inflammatory bowel diseases e.g. ulcerative colitis, coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease
- colorectal disease
Acute exposure of humans to phenol through airways/skin/mouth/eyes/nose/throat will result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, a fast heart rate and sweating. A high exposure can lead to drowsiness, breathing and heart problems and lung and kidney damage.
Please note any adverse health effects that you may encounter in exposure to a chemical depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.
For more detailed information, including on exposure levels in different contexts
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a81a1ceed915d74e62334f0/Phenol_PHE_TO_120216.pdf
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Phenol#section=Use-and-Manufacturing
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/074823378700300407