IPCS
Health and Safety Guide No. 88
PHENOL
HEALTH AND SAFETY
GUIDE
This is a companion volume to
Environmental Health Criteria 161: Phenol
Published by the World Health Organization for the International
Programme on Chemical Safety (a collaborative programme of the United
Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation,
and the World Health Organization)
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GENEVA 1994
This report contains the collective views of an international group of
experts and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated
policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International
Labour Organisation, or the World Health Organization
WHO Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
Phenol : health and safety guide.
(Health and safety guide ; no. 88)
1.Phenols - standards 2.Environmental exposure
I.Series
ISBN 92 4 151088 9 (NLM Classification: QD 341.P5)
ISSN 0259-7268
The World Health Organization welcomes requests for permission to
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Applications and enquiries should be addressed to the Office of
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© World Health Organization 1994
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authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or
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does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World
Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that
are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of
proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
The Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and
Nuclear Safety (Fed. Rep. Germany) provided financial support for, and
undertook the printing of, this publication.
Computer typesetting by HEADS, Oxtord OX8 8NY, England
Printed by Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH D-70009 Stuttgart 10
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES...........................
1.1 Identity.........................................
1.2 Physical and chemical properties.................
1.3 Composition......................................
1.4 Analysis.........................................
1.5 Production and uses..............................
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION..............................
2.1 Exposure.........................................
2.2 Environmental fate...............................
2.3 Kinetics and metabolism..........................
2.4 Effects on organisms in the environment..........
2.5 Effects on experimental animals and
in vitro test systems............................
2.6 Effects on humans................................
3. CONCLUSIONS.........................................
3.1 Human health.....................................
3.2 Environment......................................
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION
AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION....................
4.1 Human health hazards, prevention and
protection, first aid............................
4.2 Advice to physicians.............................
4.3 Health surveillance advice.......................
4.4 Explosion and fire hazards.......................
4.4.1 Explosion and fire hazards.................
4.4.2 Prevention.................................
4.4.3 Fire-extinguishing agents..................
4.5 Storage..........................................
4.6 Transport........................................
4.7 Spillage and disposal............................
4.7.1 Spillage.....................................
4.7.2 Disposal (based on the IRPTC waste disposal
file)........................................
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR
PREVENTION..........................................
6. SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION..............
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND
STANDARDS...........................................
7.1 Exposure limit values...........................
7.2 Specific restrictions...........................
7.3 Labelling, packaging, and transport.............
7.4 Waste disposal..................................
BIBLIOGRAPHY...........................................
INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Health Criteria (EHC) monographs produced by the
International Programme on Chemical Safety include an assessment of the
effects on the environment and on human health of exposure to a
chemical or combination of chemicals, or physical or biological agents.
They also provide guidelines for setting exposure limits.
The purpose of a Health and Safety Guide is to facilitate the
application of these guidelines in national chemical safety programmes.
The first three sections of a Health and Safety Guide highlight the
relevant technical information in the corresponding EHC. Section 4
includes advice on preventive and protective measures and emergency
action; health workers should be thoroughly familiar with the medical
information to ensure that they can act efficiently in an emergency.
Within the Guide is a Summary of Chemical Safety Information which
should be readily available, and should be clearly explained, to all
who could come into contact with the chemical. The section on
regulatory information has been extracted from the legal file of the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) and from
other United Nations sources.
The target readership includes occupational health services, those in
ministries, governmental agencies, industry, and trade unions who are
involved in the safe use of chemicals and the avoidance of
environmental health hazards, and those wanting more information on
this topic. An attempt has been made to use only terms that will be
familiar to the intended user. However, sections 1 and 2 inevitably
contain some technical terms. A bibliography has been included for
readers who require further background information.
Revision of the information in this Guide will take place in due
course, and the eventual aim is to use standardized terminology.
Comments on any difficulties encountered in using the Guide would be
very helpful and should be addressed to:
The Director
International Programme on Chemical Safety
World Health Organization
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A
STARTING POINT TO A COMPREHENSIVE
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMME
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1 Identity
Chemical formula: C6H6O
Chemical structure:
Figure 1;;;grph88_1.bmp
Common synonyms: acidum carbolicum, acidum phenolicum, acidum
phenylicum, benzophenol, benzene phenol,
carbolic acid, hydroxybenzene,
monohydroxybenzene, oxybenzene, phenic acid,
phenyl hydrate, phenyl hydroxide, phenylic
acid, phenylic alcohol
Common trade
names: Baker's P and S liquid ointment, Venzenol
CAS registry
number: 108-95-2
RTECS registry
number: SJ 3325000 (solid)
UN number: UN 1671
Conversion factors: 1 ppm of phenol = 3.85 mg/m3 air, and
1 mg of phenol/m3 air = 0.26 ppm
at 20 °C and 101.3 kPa (760 mmHg)
1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties
Phenol is a solid at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure
consisting of white crystals that turn pink or red when exposed to air
and light. It has a burning taste and a distinctive odour. The
compound has limited solubility in water (6.7 g/100 ml) and is soluble
in most organic solvents. The melting point of 43 °C is lowered by
the addition of water to the extent that a 90 % mixture of phenol in
water (phenolum liquefactum) is liquid at room temperature.
Chemically, the compound is a weak acid. The pH of aqueous solutions
is about 6.0. It reacts readily with oxidizing agents.
1.3 Composition
The commercially available synthetic crystalline product is at least
98 % pure. Commercial grades of phenol obtained from the distillation
of coal tar consist of 80 % or more phenol, the remaining constituents
being water and cresol.
1.4 Analysis
The substance can be detected and determined quantitatively by gas
chromatography in combination with flame ionization/electron capture
detection or by high-performance liquid chromatography in combination
with UV detection. Detection limits are 0.1 µg/m3 in air, and
0.5 µg/litre in urine.
1.5 Production and Uses
The total industrial world production of phenol in 1981 was estimated
at 3375 kilotonnes, which was approximately 60 % of the total capacity.
Phenol is mainly used for the manufacture of phenolic resins, bisphenol
A, and caprolactam. Other products are alkylphenols, xylenol, cresol,
and adipic acid. Minor uses include the production of germicidal
paints, pharmaceutical products, dyes, and indicators, and the use of
phenols as a laboratory reagent, a slimicide, and a general
disinfectant.
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1 Exposure
Potential sources of phenol exposure include: the production and use of
phenol and its products, residential wood burning, cigarette smoke, the
degradation of benzene under the influence of light, and the presence
of phenol in liquid manure.
Background atmospheric levels are estimated to be less than 1 ng/m3
urban/suburban atmospheric levels vary from 0.1 to 8 µg/m3, while
concentrations near industry may be up to two orders of magnitude
higher. Increased phenol has been reported in sediments and
groundwaters associated with industrial pollution. Cigarette smoke and
smoked food products are the most important sources of phenol exposure,
apart from exposure via air.
Occupational exposures generally do not exceed 19 mg/m3.
2.2 Environmental Fate
The major part of phenol in the atmosphere is degraded by photochemical
reactions to dihydroxybenzenes, nitrophenols, and ring cleavage
products. A minor part will be removed by rain.
Phenol in water and soil is degraded by abiotic reactions and microbial
activity to a number of compounds, the most important of which are
carbon dioxide and methane.
2.3 Kinetics and Metabolism
Phenol is readily absorbed from any media; it is rapidly distributed to
all tissues. The liver, the lung, and the gastrointestinal mucosa are
the most important sites of phenol metabolism. It mainly conjugates
with glucuronic acid and sulfuric acid. In vivo and in vitro studies
have demonstrated covalent binding to tissue and plasma proteins.
Urinary excretion is the major route of phenol disposal in animals and
humans. A minor part is eliminated in the faeces and expired air.
2.4 Effects on Organisms in the Environment
A toxicity threshold of 64 mg phenol/litre was found for bacteria.
Values for protozoa and fungi are of the same order of magnitude,
however, the values for algae are somewhat lower.
Phenol is toxic for higher freshwater organisms. The lowest LC50 or
EC50 values for crustaceans and fish are between 3 and 7 mg/litre. On
the basis of long-term studies on crustacea and fish, a significant
difference in sensitivity was found: the LC1 values from embryolarval
tests on Salmo and Carassius were much lower (0.2 and 2 µg/litre,
respectively) than the corresponding values for other fish species and
amphibia.
The bioconcentration factors of phenol in various types of water
organisms are low; the compound is therefore not expected to
bioaccumulate significantly.
Data concerning the effects of phenol on terrestrial organisms are
scarce. A 120-h EC50 for millet was 120-170 mg/litre.
2.5 Effects on Animals and in vitro Test Systems
Phenol is moderately toxic for manunals. The oral LD50 in rodents
ranged from 300 to 600 mg/kg body weight, while the dermal LD50 for
rats and rabbits ranged from 670 to 1400 mg/kg body weight, and the 8-h
LC50 for rats was more than 900 mg/m3 . Clinical symptoms after short-
term exposure are neuromuscular hyperexcitability, necrosis of the skin
and mucous membranes, and effects on the lungs, kidneys, and liver.
In short-term animal studies, toxic effects in the rat kidney have been
reported at oral dose levels of 40 mg or more/kg body weight per day.
In a limited 14-day study on rats, an oral no-observed- adverse-effect
level (NOAEL) of 12 mg/kg body weight per day was found on the basis of
kidney effects. In two multiple dose reproductive toxicity studies on
rats, NOAELs of 40 mg/kg body weight per day and 60 mg/kg body weight
per day, respectively, were found.
A majority of bacterial tests gave negative results. Phenol had no
effects on intercellular communication in cultured mammalian cells. No
micronuclei were observed in mice studies at low doses. However,
mutations, chromosome damage, and DNA effects were observed in
mammalian cells in vitro, as was induction of micronuclei in bone
marrow cells of mice.
In two carcinogenicity studies in which phenol was administered to male
and female rats and mice in the drinking-water, malignancies were seen
only in low-dose male rats. Two-stage carcinogenicity studies showed
that phenol repeatedly applied to mouse skin had promoting activity.
Solutions of phenol are corrosive to the skin and eyes, while phenol
vapour can irritate the respiratory tract. Phenol is not a skin
sensitizer.
2.6 Effects on Humans
Gastrointestinal irritation was reported following ingestion of phenol.
Painless blanching, or effects ranging from erythema to corrosion and
deep necrosis, occurred following dermal exposure. Main systemic
effects included cardiac dysrhythmias, respiratory distress, metabolic
acidosis, renal failure, dark urine, methaemoglobinaemia, neurological
effects, cardiovascular shock, coma, and death. The lowest reported
fatal dose was 4.8 g by ingestion; death occurred within 19 min.
Symptoms associated with inhalation of phenol included anorexia, weight
loss, headache, vertigo, salivation, acidosis, and dark urine. No
cases of death following this type of exposure have been reported.
The odour threshold has been reported to range from 0.021 to 20 mg/m3
in air, while the threshold for odour in water has been reported to be
7.9 mg/litre. A taste threshold value of 0.3 mg/litre water has been
suggested.
3. CONCLUSIONS
3.1 Human Health
Exposure of the general population to phenol mainly occurs by
inhalation. Minor oral exposure may arise through the consumption of
smoked food or drinking-water.
The exposure data are inadequate to determine the extent of exposure of
the general population. However, an upper estimate of the daily intake
can be made on the basis of the "worst case scenario", assuming that
an individual would have maximum exposure to phenol through continuous
inhalation of heavily contaminated air with frequent consumption of
smoked food and regular consumption of drinking-water containing phenol
levels up to the taste threshold. On the basis of these assumptions,
the estimated maximum total daily intake of phenol, for a 70-kg
individual, is 100 µg/kg body weight per day.
The NOAELS, identified in rat studies for kidney and developmental
effects, are in the range of 12-40 mg/kg body weight per day. Using an
uncertainty factor of 200, a range of 60-200 µg/kg body weight per day
is recommended as the upper limit of total human daily intake. Taking
into account that the "worst case scenario" estimate is 100 µg/kg body
weight per day, it is concluded that the average general population
exposure to phenol from all sources is below this range. However, the
available data suggest that phenol may be genotoxic and there are
insufficient data to discount its possible carcinogenicity.
3.2 Environment
Phenol is not expected to bioaccumulate significantly. It is toxic for
aquatic organisms, and an environmental concern level of 0.02 µg/litre
is suggested for water. Adequate data on plants and terrestrial
organisms are lacking.
Intercompartmental transport of phenol mainly occurs by wet deposition
and by leaching through soil. Generally, the compound is not likely to
persist in the environment. Because exposure data are scarce, firm
conclusions cannot be drawn with regard to the extent of the risk for
either aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems. However, in view of the
derived environmental concern level for water, it is reasonable to
assume that aquatic organisms may be at risk in any surface or sea
waters that are contaminated with phenol.
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION
AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1 Human Health Hazards, Prevention and Protection, First Aid
The human health hazards associated with certain types of exposure to
phenol, together with preventive and protective measures and first aid
recommendations are listed in the table on pages 16-17 and in the
Summary of Chemical Safety Information on pages 22-24.
4.2 Advice to Physicians
Phenol intoxication can be recognized by the characteristic odour of
the compound in the breath. The compound can be detected in the urine,
which is dark-coloured (green to black). The compound is corrosive to
mucous membranes, eyes, and skin.
No specific antidote is known. Treat symptomatically.
Recommended gastric lavage fluids are water, following administration
of activated charcoal, or vegetable oils, such as olive oil, castor
oil, or cottonseed oil.
Watch for signs of pulmonary oedema, which may develop rapidly. Treat
shock conservatively, because of uncertain cardiac and renal status.
Only severe circulatory collapse demands infusions. The acid-base
balance should be investigated to detect possible metabolic acidosis.
In case of skin treatment, the physician should protect his skin from
contamination. Contaminated skin, washed with large quantities of
water, may be further cleaned with a 70:30 mixture of polyethylene
glycol and ethanol.
4.3 Health Surveillance Advice
Individuals, potentially exposed to phenol, should undergo periodic
medical examination with emphasis on effects on the skin, respiratory
tract, central nervous system, liver, and kidneys. They should also be
checked for their ability to use respirators.
4.4 Explosion and Fire Hazards
4.4.1 Explosion a fire hazards
Above 73 °C, vapour-air mixtures may be formed that can be ignited by
open fires, sparks, or glowing surfaces. The autoignition temperature
is 715 °C.
The compound reacts moderately fast with oxidizing agents and violently
with butadiene, peroxydisulfuric acid, peroxymonosulfuric acid, and
aluminium chloride + nitrobenzene.
Phenol and its solutions are flammable. The compound emits toxic times
when heated or when bunting. Heating of phenol or its solution in
water in containers will cause a pressure rise with risk of bursting.
4.4.2 Prevention
Above 73 °C, use closed apparatus and apply ventilation. Do not use
the compound near sources of ignition.
In case of fire, keep containers with molten or aqueous phenol cool by
spraying with water. If possible, prevent extinguishing agents from
running into sewers. Fire-fighters should use self-contained breathing
apparatus.
4.4.3 Fire-extinguishing agents
Alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, water spray, halons.
4.5 Storage
Phenol should be stored separately from food, oxidants, and other
incompatible substances (section 4.4.1) in an adequately ventilated,
dry, dark, fire-proof, and well-labelled room. Storage tanks should be
electrically grounded and bonded to transfer lines. The containers
must be labelled, tightly closed, and kept in good condition.
4.6 Transport
In case of accidents, stop the engine. Remove all sources of ignition.
Keep bystanders at a distance and mark the roads. Keep upwind. When
HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION,
EMERGENCY ACTION
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HEALTH HAZARDS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
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SINGLE EXPOSURE
SKIN: blanching, burning sensation Avoid exposure; wear clean protective Remove contaminated clothing and shoes
followed by numbness; corrosion clothing, gloves (neoprene, rubber), instantly; wash with plenty of water for
(burn and gangrene); may enter body and shoes; provide emergency shower at least 15 min and then with a mixture of
fast through skin and cause systemic 70:30 polyethylene glycol and ethanol
effects (see ingestion)
EYES: irritation by vapour; irritation Wear safety goggles and/or a face- Rinse with plenty of water for at least
or corrosion by liquid shield; provide eye-wash 15 min
INHALATION: inflammation and Avoid exposure; apply ventilation, Remove victim to fresh air and keep quiet;
oedema in respiratory system; local exhaust, or breathing protection if breathing has stopped, apply artificial
central nervous syatem depression using a suitable respirator respiration
(see ingestion)
INGESTION: irritation, corrosion or Do not eat, drink, chew, or smoke Rinse mouth; give large quantities of
of mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal when working with phenol; do not water to drink; do NOT induce vomiting
tract; nervous system depression with keep food in areas with potential
respiratory problems; pulmonary
oedema; renal insufficiency
REPEATED EXPOSURE
SKIN: dermatitis; may enter body Wear clean, impervious, protective
and cause systemic effects (see clothing, gloves (neoprene, poly-
ingestion) ethylene, rubber), and shoes
INGESTION AND INHALATION: Apply ventilation and local exhaust
liver and kidney damage; central
nervous system disturbances
transporting molten phenol or a solution of phenol, put on protective
equipment before entering the danger area. In case of spillage or
fire, use the methods advised in sections 4.7 and 4.4, respectively.
Notify the police and fire brigade immediately. In the case of
poisoning, follow the advice in sections 4.1 and 4.2.
4.7 Spillage and Disposal
4.7.1 Spillage
Remove all ignition sources and evacuate the area. Ventliate the area.
Cover spilled solid phenol with dry lime or soda ash. Contain molten
phenol with sand or earth and allow solidification. Absorb a phenol
solution in earth or sand. Remove to a safe place to hold it for
disposal. Prevent molten phenol or a solution of phenol from entering
sewers, water courses, or soil. Ensure personal protection.
4.7.2 Disposal (based on the IRPTC waste disposal file)
Incineration is the recommended method of disposal. Dissolve or mix
the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical
incinerator equipped with an afterburner or scrubber.
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND
THEIR PREVENTION
Generally, phenol is not likely to persist in air, sea or surface
water, soil, or sewage. Phenol readily reacts photochemically and is
rapidly biodegraded aerobically. Anaerobic degradation to carbon
dioxide or methane also occurs. It is not expected to bioaccumulate
significantly.
Phenol is toxic for aquatic organisms and these may be at risk in any
surface or sea water contaminated with phenol.
Contamination of soil, water, and the atmosphere can be avoided by
proper methods of storage, transport, and waste disposal, recommended
in sections 4.5, 4.6, 4.7.2 and 7.4. In case of spillage, apply the
methods recommended in section 4.7.1.
6. SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL SAFETY
INFORMATION
The summary should be easily available to all health workers concerned
with, and users of, phenol. It should be displayed at, or near,
entrances to areas where there is potential exposure to phenol, and on
processing equipment and containers. The summary should be translated
into the appropriate language(s). All persons potentially exposed to
the chemical should also have the instructions in the summary clearly
explained.
Space is available for insertion of the National Occupational Exposure
Limit, the address and telephone number of the National Poison Control
Centre, and local trade names.
SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION
PHENOL
Molecular formula: C6H6O
CAS registry number: 108-95-2
RTEC registry number: SJ 3325000 (solid)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Relative molecular mass 94.11 White crystalline solid turning pink or red when
Melting point (°C) 40.9 exposed to air and light; burning taste and
Boiling point (°C) 181.75 distinctive odour; the compound reacts moderately
Water solubility (g/litre) 67 fast with oxidizing agents and violently with
Specific density (25°C) 1.071 butadiene, peroxydisulfuric acid, peroxymono-
Relative vapour density 3.24 sulfuric acid, and aluminium chloride + nitro-
Vapour pressure (kPa) (20°C) 0.04 (0.357 mmHg) benzene; when heated or burning the compound
Ignition temperature (°C) 715 emits toxic fumes; the compound is extremely
Flash point (closed cup) (°C) 80 destructive to mucous membranes, skin, and eyes
Flammability (explosive) and may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed
limits (vol. %) 1.3-9.5 through the skin
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HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SKIN: blanching, burning sensation Wear clean protective impervious Remove contaminated clothing and shoes
followed by numbness; corrosion clothing, gloves (neoprene, rubber instantly; wash with plenty of water for
with burns and gangrene; may enter polyethylene), and shoes at least 15 min; obtain medical attention
body through skin (see ingestion) immediately
EYES: irritation or corrosion; redness; Wear safety goggles and/or face Rinse with plenty of water for at least
blurred vision; burning sensation shield 15 min; obtain medical attention
INHALATION: inflammation and Apply ventilation, local exhaust, Remove victim to fresh air and keep quiet;
oedema in nose, throat, and respira- or breathing protection using a suitable if breathing has stopped, apply artificial
tory tract; breathing difficulties and a respirator respiratory; obtain medical attention
burning sensation; central nervous immediately
system depression (see ingestion)
INGESTION: irritation, corrosion of Do not eat, drink, chew, or smoke Rinse mouth; give large quantities of
mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal during work; do not keep food in areas water to drink; do NOT induce vomiting;
tract; burning sensation; abdominal with potential exposure; keep out of obtain medical attention immediately
pain; nausea; vomiting; central reach of children
nervous system depression; headache,
dizziness; coma; breathing difficulties;
pulmonary oedema
ENVIRONMENT: may present a risk Contamination of water can be avoided In the case of spillage, cover solid phenol
for aquatic organisms by proper methods of storage, with dry lime or soda ash; phenol solution
transport, and disposal should be covered with earth or sand
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SPILLAGE STORAGE FIRE AND EXPLOSION
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Remove ignition sources; evacuate and Store in a ventilated, dry, dark, fire- Phenol (solution) is flammable; air-
ventilate the area; cover solid phenol proof, well-labelled room away from vapour mixtures may be explosive; keep
with dry lime or soda ash; contain foodstuffs, oxidants, and other away sources of ignition; above 79 °C use
molten phenol or a solution of phenol incompatible substances; containers closed apparatus and apply ventilation; in
with sand or earth and prevent run-off must be labelled, tightly closed, and case of fire, keep containers cool by
into sewers, water courses, or soil; kept in good condition; storage tanks spraying with water; fire-extinguishers
ensure personal protection must be electronically grounded are carbon dioxide, alcohol foam, dry
chemical powder, water spray, and halons
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WASTE DISPOSAL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dissolve or mix the material with a National occupational exposure UN 1671
combustible solvent and burn in an limit:
approved chemical incinerator
National Poison Control Centre:
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES,
AND STANDARDS
The information given in this section has been extracted from the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) legal
file. A frill reference to the original national document from which
the information was extracted can be obtained from IRPTC. When no
effective data appear in the IRPTC legal file, the year of the
reference from which the data are taken is indicated by (r).
The reader should be aware that regulatory decisions about chemicals
taken in a certain country can only be frilly understood in the
framework of the legislation of that country. Furthermore, the
regulations and guidelines of all countries are subject to change and
should always be verified with the appropriate regulatory authorities
before application.
7.1 Exposure Limit Values
Some exposure limit values are shown in the table on pages 26-27.
7.2 Specific Restrictions
The European Community legislation stipulates that phenol and its
alkali salts must not be contained in cosmetic products, except when
subject to certain restrictions and conditions laid down. Member
States prohibit the marketing of cosmetic products containing these
substances beyond the limits and outside the conditions laid down
(effective date: 1983).
In the former Czechoslovakia, the use of phenol in cosmetics was also
restricted (effective date: 1971).
In the USA, the substance is exempted from tolerance requirements in
plant and animal products, when used according to good agricultural
practice as an inert (or occasionally active) ingredient of a pesticide
applied for some specified purpose (effective date: 1981 (r)). The
substance may be used as a component of adhesives in articles intended
for use in the packaging, transporting, or holding of food (for use as
preservative only) (effective date: 1981 (r)).
CURRENT REGULATORY, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
Exposure limit values
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIR Occupational Australia Threshold limit value (TWA) 19 mg/m3, b 1983 (r)
Germany, Federal Maximium worksite concentration (TWA) 19 mg/m3, b 1985 (r)
Republic of Short-term exposure limit (5-min) 38 mg/m3, c 1985 (r)
Hungary Maximium allowable concentration (TWA) 5 mg/m3 1978 (r)
Short-term exposure limit (30-min) 10 mg/m3 1978 (r)
Japan Maximium allowable concentration (TWA) 19 mg/m3, b 1981 (r)
Sweeden Highest limit value (TWA) 4 mg/m3 b 1985
Short-term exposure limit (15-min TWA) 8 mg/m3 1985
USA (OSHA) Permissible exposure level (TWA) 19 mg/m3, b 1974
USA (ACGIH) Threshold limit value (TWA) 19 mg/m3, b 1984 (r)
Short-term exposure limit (TWA) 38 mg/m3 1984 (r)
USSR Ceiling value 0.3 mg/m3 1977
AIR Ambient Czechoslovakia Maximium allowable concentrationd
average per day 0.01 mg/m3 1981
average per 0.5 h 0.01 mg/m3 1981
USSR Maximium allowable concentration
average per day 0.003 mg/m3 1984
once per day 0.01 mg/m3 1984
7.3 Labelling, Packaging, and Transport
The European Community legislation requires labelling of phenol as a
dangerous substance using the symbol:
Figure 2;;;grph88_2.bmp
The label must bear a symbol and read (effective date: 1976 (r)):
Toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed; causes burns; keep
locked up and out of reach of children; after contact with skin, wash
immediately with plenty of fluids to be specified by the
manufacturer; in case of accident, or if you feel unwell, seek
medical advice immediately (show the label where possible).
Member States should also ensure that dangerous preparations are not
placed on the market unless their packages and fastenings and labels
comply with the requirements laid down (effective date: 1984).
The United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transportation of
Dangerous Goods and the International Maritime Organization classify
phenol (solid, molten, solutions) as a poisonous substance (Class 6.1)
and a substance with medium danger for packing purposes (Packing
Group II). Packing methods and labels are recommended (effective
dates: 1982 (r) and 1977 (r), respectively).
The recommended label is:
Figure 3;;;grph88_3.bmp
Division 6.1
Poisonous (toxic) substances
Packing Groups: I and II Symbol (skull and
crossbones): black; Background: white
In Japan, phenol is designated as deleterious by law. Preparations of
phenol are also to be considered as deleterious, except when the
concentration is below 5 %.
7.4 Waste Disposal
In Germany, the air emissions of organic compounds in Class I, which
include phenol, must not exceed (as the sum of all compounds in this
class) a mass concentration of 20 mg/m3 at a mass flow of more than
0.1 kg/h. If compounds of different classes are present, the mass
concentration must not exceed 30 mg/m3 (effective date: 1979 (r)).
In the USA, any solid waste (except domestic) that contains phenol must
be listed as hazardous waste, subject to handling, transport,
treatment, storage, and disposal requirements, unless it is found that
waste cannot pose a threat to human health or the environment, when
improperly managed (effective date: 1980). This also applies to phenol
and phenolic compounds in certain specified industrial solid wastes
(effective date: 1981 (r)). If phenol is a commercial chemical
product, it is identified as "toxic waste", subject to handling,
transport, treatment, storage, and disposal regulations and permit and
notification requirements (effective date: 1980). An owner or operator
of certain specified types of hazardous waste storage, treatment, or
disposal facilities must install a groundwater monitoring system and
periodically report on the concentrations of this substance (applies to
all phenols) (effective date: 1980). An owner or operator of a
hazardous waste incinerator must achieve 99.99 % destruction and
removal efficiency for the substance, if it is designated as a
principal organic hazardous constituent in its EPA permit (effective
date: 1981).
In the USA, the substance, including any isomers, hydrates, and
solutions and mixtures containing the substances, is designated as a
hazardous substance for the purposes of discharge under the water
pollution control act. Permits are required for discharge of total
phenols from any point source into USA waters (effective date: 1980).
EPA is required to set, or has set effluent limitations and
pretreatment standards for 21 major industries regarding phenol
(effective date: 1981 (r)).
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See Also:
Toxicological Abbreviations
Phenol (EHC 161, 1994)
Phenol (ICSC)
PHENOL (JECFA Evaluation)
Phenol (PIM 412)
Phenol (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 71, 1999)