M-Cresol

H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H311: Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

P260, P262, P264, P270, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H301 (100%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H311 (> 99.9%): Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H314 (100%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H412 (10.1%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P260, P262, P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 2818 reports by companies from 21 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H227: Combustible liquid [Warning Flammable liquids]

H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

P203, P210, P260, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P273, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P370+P378, P403, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

P203, P210, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P362+P364, P363, P370+P378, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

P210, P260, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P273, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P370+P378, P403, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Phenols are very toxic poisons AND corrosive and irritating, so that inducing vomiting may make medical problems worse. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center and locate activated charcoal, egg whites, or milk in case the medical advisor recommends administering one of them. If advice from a physician is not readily available and the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give the victim a glass of activated charcoal slurry in water or, if this is not available, a glass of milk, or beaten egg whites and IMMEDIATELY transport victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, assure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.

Breathing: Respiratory support

Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Fire Extinguishing Agents: CO2, dry chemical, foam, water spray. (USCG, 1999)

Use water spray, foam, powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Wear goggles & self-contained breathing apparatus.

Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.

Water may be used to blanket fire.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Use water spray to knock-down vapors.

For more Fire Fighting Procedures (Complete) data for m-CRESOL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

...Vapors will seek out low-lying areas where they can accumulate.

Sealed closed containers can build up pressure if exposed to heat (fire).

Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Personal protection: chemical protection suit and filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.

Accidental release measures. Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas.; Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided.; Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulations ... Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

Environmental considerations - Air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors. Vapor knockdown water is corrosive or toxic and should be diked for containment.

Environmental considerations - Water spill: Use natural deep water pockets, excavated lagoons, or sand bag barriers to trap material at bottom. If dissolved, in region of 10 ppm or greater concentration, apply activated carbon at ten times the spilled amount. Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.

Environmental considerations - Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, or commercial sorbents.

For more Cleanup Methods (Complete) data for m-CRESOL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste numbers F004, U052 and D024, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

This combustible material may be burned in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.

Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Chemical Treatability of m-Cresol; Concentration Process: Biological Treatment; Chemical Classification: Phenols; Scale of Study: Unknown; Type of Wastewater Used: Pure (one solute in a solvent); Results of Study: 96% reduction based on chemical oxygen demand; rate of biodegradation 55 mg chemical oxygen demand/g hr. (Activated sludge process).

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for m-CRESOL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking. Take measures to prevent the build up of electrostatic charge.

Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the product.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for m-CRESOL (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION. Then, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with 60-70% ethanol followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should protect this chemical from exposure to light. Keep the container tightly closed under an inert atmosphere, and store under refrigerated temperatures. (NTP, 1992)

Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Ventilation along the floor. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.

Avoid loading together with explosives, oxidizing materials and organic peroxides.

Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials.

All bulk containers that hold cresol shall carry, in a readily visible location, a label that bears the trade name of the product, if appropriate, and information on the effects of exposure to the compound on human health.

Cresol should be stored in iron or steel containers, properly labelled.

TWA 2.3 ppm (10 mg/m3)

22.0 [mg/m3]

TWA 5 ppm (22 mg/m3) [skin]

250 ppm (NIOSH, 2024)

See: cresol

20.0 [mg/m3], inhalable fraction and vapor

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 20 mg/cu m (inhalable fraction and vapor), skin. /Cresol, all isomers/

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded. /Cresol, all isomers/

A4; Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. /Cresol, all isomers/

4,5 mg/m

Intermediate Oral: 0.1 mg/kg/day (L134)

Chronic Oral: 0.1 mg/kg/day (L134)

Australia: 5 ppm, skin (1990); Federal Republic of Germany: 5 ppm, short-term level 10 ppm, 5 min, 8 times per shift, skin (1990); United Kingdom: 5 ppm, skin (1991). /Cresol, all isomers/

A harmful contamination of the air will not or will only very slowly be reached on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C.

The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on eyes and/or airways have become manifest. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in lowering of consciousness. The substance may cause effects on the blood. This may result in destruction of blood cells. Exposure far above the OEL could cause death. Medical observation is indicated.

Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the nervous system. This may result in impaired functions. The substance may have effects on the blood. This may result in anaemia.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for m-Cresol:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.

Provide:

• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.

• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)

Eye/face protection: Tightly fitting safety goggles. Faceshield (8-inch minimum). Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).

Handle with gloves.

Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.

Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face respirator with multipurpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for m-CRESOL (17 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Up to 23 ppm:

(APF = 10) Any air-purifying half-mask respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N95, R95, or P95 filter. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100.

Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.

(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 57.5 ppm:

(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode

(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter.

Up to 115 ppm:

(APF = 50) Any air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.

(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.

(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter*

M-cresol is a colorless liquid with a sweet tarry odor. Sinks and mixes slowly with water. (USCG, 1999)

Colorless or yellowish liquid with a phenolic odor; mp = 11-12 deg C; [Merck Index] Hygroscopic; [CAMEO]

COLOURLESS-TO-YELLOW LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Colourless to yellow-brown liquid, dry, tarry, medicinal-leathery, phenolic odour

Colorless to yellowish liquid with a sweet, tarry odor. [Note: A solid below 54 °F.]

Colorless, yellowish liquid

Colorless to yellow liquid [Note: A solid below 54 degrees F].

Colorless, yellowish or pinkish liquid

Phenolic odor

Odor of coal tar

Sweet, tarry odor

Distinct phenolic odor, with an odor threshold of 5 ppm; sometimes referred to as an empyreumatic odor

Taste threshold: 2.00X10-3 ppm

397 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

202.2 °C

202.00 to 203.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

52.7 °F (NTP, 1992)

11-12 °C

187 °F (NTP, 1992)

187 °F (86 °C) (Closed cup)

86 °C (187 °F) - closed cup

10 to 50 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)

In water, 2.22X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C

Soluble in solutions of fixed alkali hydroxides; miscible with alcohol, chloroform, ether

Miscible with acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride

Soluble in vegetable oils, glycerin and dilute alkai

22.7 mg/mL at 25 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 2.4 (moderate)

slightly soluble in water; soluble in oils

miscible (in ethanol)

1.0336 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

1.034 at 20 °C/4 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 1.03

1.028-1.033

3.72 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

3.72 (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 3.7

0.04 mmHg at 68 °F ; 1 mmHg at 126 °F (NTP, 1992)

0.11 [mmHg]

0.11 mm Hg at 25 °C

Water soluble.

Phenols and Cresols

M-CRESOL is sensitive to air, light and heat. It is also hygroscopic. This chemical can react vigorously with strong oxidizers and strong bases. It reacts violently with nitric acid, oleum, chlorosulfonic acid, metals and strong acids. If the water content is below approximately 0.3% and the temperature above 248 °F, the corrosion of aluminum and its alloys may occur violently. It will attack some forms of plastics, coatings and rubber. (NTP, 1992)

Strong oxidizers, acids.

Incompatible materials: Oxidizing agents. Bases.

Strong oxidizers, acids

The CIR Expert panel concludes Sodium p-Chloro-m-Cresol, p-Chloro-m-Cresol, Chlorothymol, m-Cresol, o-Cresol, Isopropyl Cresols, Thymol, o-Cymen-5-ol, Cavacrol are safe at concentrations up to 0.5% in cosmetics; however, the available data are insufficient to support the safety of p-Cresol and Mixed Cresols for use in cosmetic products.

Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: m-Cresol is colorless, yellowish liquid. It is used as a bactericide for control of crown gall and olive knot on certain fruit and nut trees and ornamentals and the genetic/physiological disorder burr knot on apples. Currently, one product is registered which contains both m-cresol and xylenol. Used as disinfectant/bacteriocide/germicide for animal pathogenic bacteria (G- and G+ vegetative) in households, sickrooms, hospitals, veterinary clinics, and veterinary hospitals; on surgical instruments, diagnostic instruments/equipment and on hospital critical rubber/plastic items. Used as an insecticide and miticide on dogs for treatment of lice and fleas. It is also used for making synthetic resins; in photographic developers, explosives. Additionally, m-cresol is chemical intermediate for thymol used in cough/cold medicinals, synthetic pyrethroid insecticides, 3-methyl-6-t-butylphenol, trinitro-m-cresol for explosives, and phenolic resins; disinfectant ingredient; ore flotation agent; solvent. m-Cresol, either pure or mixed with p-cresol, is important in the production of contact herbicides. m-Cresol is also a precursor to the pyrethroid insecticides. Furthermore, many flavor and fragrance compounds, such as (-)-methanol and musk ambrette, are derived from m-cresol. Several important antioxidants including synthetic vitamin E are produced from m-cresol. Finally, m-cresol is used as a topical dental antiseptic, and it is also used in insulin preparations. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: o-Cresol, m-Cresol, and p-Cresol are metabolites of toluene and urinary levels are often used to monitor exposure to and metabolism of toluene. m-Cresol, o-Cresol, and p-Cresol are biomarkers for phenol exposure. The ability of m-Cresol to increase the permeability of human lung fibroblast membranes was reported. m-Cresol is used for endodontic treatments in dentistry and is cytotoxic to human dental pulp cells (D824 cells). ANIMAL STUDIES: In an acute dermal toxicity study, technical grade m-cresol caused severe skin damage on at least 2/6 shaved, female, albino rabbits within 4 hours of application of 2830 mg/kg . m-Cresol, undiluted and in solution, can cause severe local irritation and corrosion following dermal and ocular exposure. Eye irritation can be severe and include corneal opacity. In other experiment, 215-464 mg/kg of m-cresol was given orally to rats in a single dose orally and resulted in hypoactivity, convulsions, GI tract inflammation, hyperemia, and death. 1,400-2,100 mg/kg of m-cresol was given to rabbits in a single dose orally and resulted in convulsions, coma, and death. 280-420 mg/kg of m-cresol was given to rabbits in a single dose iv and resulted in convulsions, coma and death. In a 28-day study, rats and mice of both sexes were given m-cresol at concentrations of from 300 to 30,000 ppm in the diet. All rats survived until study termination; some mice died at the 10,000 and 30,000 ppm dietary levels. Increased liver weights and kidney weights were noted in both species at doses as low as 3000 ppm. Bone marrow hyperplasia and atrophy of the uterus, ovary, and mammary gland were seen occasionally in both the 10,000- and 30,000-ppm groups. Groups of 10 rats of each sex were treated with m-cresol (0, 50, 150 or 450 mg/kg) in corn oil by gavage daily for 13 weeks. Convulsions were seen only in the groups treated with > 450 mg/kg. Hypoactivity, rapid labored respiration and excessive salivation were observed sporadically at doses of > 50 mg/kg. In spite of the observed clinical signs, few significant changes were found in rats performance on neurobehavioral test batteries, no brain weight changes were noted, and no gross or histopathological lesions in the brain or other nervous tissues were found. In developmental studies, m-Cresol caused maternal toxicity in rats and rabbits, but it caused no effects on the developing embryos at any dose. All three isomers of cresol are capable of promoting skin tumors initiated by a single dermal application of 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA). m-Cresol did induce unscheduled DNA synthesis with metabolic activation, but not without. The results of SCE production, chromosome aberration, forward mutation, and dominant lethal mutation assays indicated no genotoxicity. m-Cresol was tested for ability to induce chromosomal aberrations in mouse bone marrow in vivo. No effect on chromosomal aberrations was found. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: The acute toxicity of the three disinfectants to young daphnids and embryos were hypochlorite > formaldehyde > m-cresol. The effects on growth mostly occurred in the late stages of organogenesis. Growth studies have shown that m-cresol is moderately toxic to aquatic bacteria, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and protozoa.

m-Cresol is a cholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. A cholinesterase inhibitor (or 'anticholinesterase') suppresses the action of acetylcholinesterase. Because of its essential function, chemicals that interfere with the action of acetylcholinesterase are potent neurotoxins, causing excessive salivation and eye-watering in low doses, followed by muscle spasms and ultimately death. Nerve gases and many substances used in insecticides have been shown to act by binding a serine in the active site of acetylcholine esterase, inhibiting the enzyme completely. Acetylcholine esterase breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is released at nerve and muscle junctions, in order to allow the muscle or organ to relax. The result of acetylcholine esterase inhibition is that acetylcholine builds up and continues to act so that any nerve impulses are continually transmitted and muscle contractions do not stop. Among the most common acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are phosphorus-based compounds, which are designed to bind to the active site of the enzyme. The structural requirements are a phosphorus atom bearing two lipophilic groups, a leaving group (such as a halide or thiocyanate), and a terminal oxygen.

3-Methylphenol

5 x 10 ^-2 mg/kg-day

Cancer Classification: Group C Possible Human Carcinogen

CLASSIFICATION: C; possible human carcinogen. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Based on an increased incidence of skin papillomas in mice in an initiation-promotion study. The three cresol isomers produced positive results in genetic toxicity studies both alone and in combination. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Limited.

A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. /Cresol, all isomers/

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

Acute exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors can cause a cholinergic crisis characterized by severe nausea/vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, collapse, and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved. Accumulation of ACh at motor nerves causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression at the neuromuscular junction. When this occurs symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, fasciculation, and paralysis can be seen. When there is an accumulation of ACh at autonomic ganglia this causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression in the sympathetic system. Symptoms associated with this are hypertension, and hypoglycemia. Overstimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system, due to accumulation of ACh, results in anxiety, headache, convulsions, ataxia, depression of respiration and circulation, tremor, general weakness, and potentially coma. When there is expression of muscarinic overstimulation due to excess acetylcholine at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors symptoms of visual disturbances, tightness in chest, wheezing due to bronchoconstriction, increased bronchial secretions, increased salivation, lacrimation, sweating, peristalsis, and urination can occur. Certain reproductive effects in fertility, growth, and development for males and females have been linked specifically to organophosphate pesticide exposure. Most of the research on reproductive effects has been conducted on farmers working with pesticides and insecticdes in rural areas. In females menstrual cycle disturbances, longer pregnancies, spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, and some developmental effects in offspring have been linked to organophosphate pesticide exposure. Prenatal exposure has been linked to impaired fetal growth and development. Neurotoxic effects have also been linked to poisoning with OP pesticides causing four neurotoxic effects in humans: cholinergic syndrome, intermediate syndrome, organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDP), and chronic organophosphate-induced neuropsychiatric disorder (COPIND). These syndromes result after acute and chronic exposure to OP pesticides.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion. Serious local effects by all routes of exposure.

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Oral (L528) ; inhalation (L528) ; dermal (L528)

Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing.

MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Blisters. Skin burns.

Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.

Burns in mouth and throat. Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Nausea. Vomiting. Abdominal pain. Shock or collapse.

irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane; central nervous system effects: confusion, depression, resp failure; dyspnea (breathing difficulty), irreg rapid resp, weak pulse; eye, skin burns; dermatitis; lung, liver, kidney, pancreas damage

Ingestion of cresols results in burning of the mouth and throat, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Inhalation or dermal exposure to cresols can produce irritation and corrosion at the site of contact. (L482)

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys, pancreas, cardiovascular system

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

4 x 10^-1 mg/kg-day

PDF Document

See the IRIS entry for 3-Methylphenol

IRIS Current

PPRTV Current

LC50 (rat) > 710 mg/m3/1hr

LD50: 242 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (T13)

LD50: 168 mg/kg (Intraperitoneal, Mouse) (T13)

LD50: 2050 mg/kg (Dermal, Rabbit) (T13)

LD50 Rat dermal 1,100 mg/kg

LD50 Rat oral 242 mg/kg

LC50 Rat inhalation 58 mg/cu m/8 hr

LD50 Mouse intraveneously 2010 mg/kg

For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for m-CRESOL (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

If the compound has been ingested, rapid gastric lavage should be performed using 5% sodium bicarbonate. For skin contact, the skin should be washed with soap and water. If the compound has entered the eyes, they should be washed with large quantities of isotonic saline or water. In serious cases, atropine and/or pralidoxime should be administered. Anti-cholinergic drugs work to counteract the effects of excess acetylcholine and reactivate AChE. Atropine can be used as an antidote in conjunction with pralidoxime or other pyridinium oximes (such as trimedoxime or obidoxime), though the use of '-oximes' has been found to be of no benefit, or possibly harmful, in at least two meta-analyses. Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist, and thus blocks the action of acetylcholine peripherally.

Female Sutter mice (27 to 29/group) were dosed with a single application of dimethylbenzanthracene followed 1 wk later by 25 uL of a 20% solution of m-cresol in benzene twice weekly for 12 wk. Benzene-treated controls did not experience mortality, although many of the cresol-treated mice died. m-Cresol produced 7/17 tumors (papillomas) in surviving mice.

Mice were given a single dermal application of 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA), a cancer initiator, followed by application of 20% solutions of o-, p-, or m-cresol in benzene twice a week for 12 weeks. This level of cresols exposure proved to be acutely toxic, producing relatively high nontumor-related mortality. Consequently, all tumor results were based on number of survivors (14-20 per group). Promotion with cresols led to increases in the average number of skin papillomas per mouse and the percentage of exposed mice with at least one papilloma. o-Cresol was the most potent isomer, and p-cresol the least. Carcinomas were not observed following cresols exposure, although the observed papillomas have the potential to develop into carcinomas. A problem with the study was use of benzene, a known carcinogen, as the solvent for the cresols. However, benzene controls in the cresols experiment did not develop papillomas, and neither did benzene controls in four parallel series of experiments (a few papillomas were observed in a fifth benzene control group). Therefore, the results of this study showing that all three cresol isomers are capable of promoting skin tumors initiated by DMBA appear to be valid.

LC50; Species: /Lepomis macrochirus/ (Bluegill); Concentration: 10 mg/L for 96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea); Conditions: static; Concentration: 0.178 mmol/L for 24 hr (95% confidence limit: 0.148-0.208 mmol/L); Effect: intoxication, immobilization /formulated product/

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age <24 hr neonate; Conditions: freshwater, static, pH 8.2, hardness 170 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 110 mg/L CaCO3; Concentration: 18000 ug/L for 24 hr

LC50; Species: Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow Trout) fry, weight 0.78 g, length 4.6 cm; Conditions: freshwater, static, 14 °C, pH 7.92 (6.60-8.20), dissolved oxygen 7.21 mg/L (6.1-7.6 mg/L); Concentration: 8130 ug/L for 24 hr /formulation/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for m-CRESOL (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Three common disinfectants were selected in this study to investigate their toxicity to Daphnia magna. The methods used in this study included the traditional acute toxicity test, new embryo toxicity test, and teratogenic test. The study concluded that the acute toxicity of the three disinfectants to young daphnids and embryos were hypochlorite > formaldehyde > m-cresol. The effects on growth mostly occurred in the late stages of organogenesis. Of the organs, the Malpighian tube was the most sensitive to disinfectants during embryonic organogenesis. After exposure of the disinfectants to sunlight for 4 hr, acute toxicity and teratogenic effects of hypochlorite on young daphnids decreased by 30% and 71%, respectively, while those of formaldehyde decreased by 35% and 49%, respectively. In addition, comparing toxic endpoints of the three disinfectants with and without sunlight exposure, the embryo tests were equally sensitive to the three-week reproduction test in this study.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Growth studies have shown that /m-/cresols are moderately toxic to aquatic bacteria, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and protozoa. Growth inhibition thresholds ... /were 53 mg/L/ for the bacterium Pseudomonas putida ... 13 mg/L for the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa ... 31 mg/L for the bacteriovorous flagellate protozoan Entosiphon sulcatum and ... 114 mg/L for the saprozoic flagellate protozoan, Chilomonas paramecium.

3.20e+03

4.10e+04

6.30e+02

2.60e+03

9.30e+02

1.30e+03

7.40e-01

5.00e-02

6.00e-01

Volatile

9.50e+03

1.20e+05

1.90e+03

7.90e+03

2.80e+03

The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment.

m-Cresol's production and use as a chemical intermediate in the production of pesticides, fragrances, antioxidants and other compounds, as a process solvent for the production of wire enamels and as a preservative may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Its use as disinfectant and pesticide and as a fragrance ingredient in pesticides may result in its direct release to the environment. m-Cresol is also released to the environment through automobile exhaust, in smoke from woodstoves and fireplaces and tobacco smoke. Cresols are widely distributed in nature and formed as metabolites of microbial activity and excreted in the urine of mammals. m-Cresol is found in many species of plants and occurs in coal, petroleum and as a constituent in wood. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.11 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates m-cresol will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase m-cresol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 6 hours. Vapor-phase m-cresol will also be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with nitrate radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 3 minutes. The nitrate radical is the dominant atmospheric oxidant during the night-time in most atmospheric environments, therefore, night-time degradation appears to be a major atmospheric loss process for m-cresol. m-Cresol absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. m-Cresol has been detected in rain water indicating it may be removed from the air by wet deposition. If released to soil, m-cresol is expected to have very high to moderate mobility based upon a Koc of range 27-251 for m- and p-cresol. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur slowly based on a Henry's Law constant of 8.6X10-7 atm-cu m/mole. m-Cresol may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Based upon available test results, including OECD screening methods, m-cresol can be considered as being readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions in soil and water. This compound is expected to biodegrade readily in soil based upon half-lives of 0.6 and 11.3 days in 2 agricultural soils. If released into water, m-cresol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in the water column based upon the Koc value. Aerobic biodegradation is considered to be the major removal mechanism for m-cresol in the hydrosphere. m-Cresol is expected to biodegrade in water based on reported half-lives in the range of 2 to 29 days (aerobic water) and 15 to 49 days(anaerobic water). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to occur slowly based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 45 and 327 days, respectively. BCF values of 20 and 10.7 in fish suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. m-Cresol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis since it lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Photodegradation may occur in waters exposed to sunlight. Occupational exposure to m-cresol may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where m-cresol is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate the general population may be exposed to m-cresol via inhalation of ambient air and tobacco smoke, ingestion of food, and dermal contact with consumer products containing m-cresol. (SRC)

Cresols, including m-cresol, are widely distributed in nature and formed as metabolites of microbial activity and excreted in the urine of mammals(1). Cresols are formed from the commonly found amino acid tyrosine, and occur naturally in human and animal tissues, fluids, and urine(2). Cresols, including m-cresol, are widespread in nature occurring in many plants and trees(1). Cresols occur in various plant lipid constituents, including oils from jasmine, cassia and Easter lily, ylang ylang, and Yucca gloriosa flowers, peppermint, eucalyptus, and camphor. Oils from conifers, oaks, and sandalwood trees also contain cresols(1). m-Cresol occurs in a variety of plants such as mulberry, coffee, tea, myrrh, tobacco and asparagus(3). Cresols occurs in petroleum and coal(2). m-Cresol is 1 of 9 major volatile organic compounds secreted from the tail gland of the red deer (Cervus elaphus)(4). m-Cresol was found in surface water in the blast zone of the Mount St. Helens eruption and is believed to have been formed during the destruction of the plant and soil material by the volcanic action(5).

m-Cresol's production and use as a chemical intermediate in the production of pesticides, fragrances, antioxidants and other compounds, as a process solvent for the production of wire enamels and as a preservative(1,2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Its use as disinfectant(1) and pesticide(2) and as a fragrance ingredient in pesticides(3) may result in its direct release to the environment(SRC). m-Cresol is also released to the environment through automobile exhaust(1,4,5), in smoke from woodstoves and fireplaces(1,5), and tobacco smoke(1,2,6).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a m-cresol Koc value of 34.58 in a clay loam soil(2) and a cresol Koc range of 27-251 in five different soils (para-isomer)(3) indicate that m-cresol is expected to have very high to moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of m-cresol from moist soil surfaces may occur slowly(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 8.6X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(4). m-Cresol may volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.11 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). Based upon available test results, including OECD screening methods, m-cresol can be considered as being readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions(6). m-Cresol is expected to biodegrade readily in soils based on biodegradation half-lives of 0.6 and 11.3 days reported for 2 agricultural soils(7).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a m-cresol Koc value of 34.58 in a clay loam soil(2) and a cresol Koc range of 27-251 in five different soils (para-isomer)(3) indicate that m-cresol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to occur slowly(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 8.56X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 45 and 327 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), BCF values of 20 and 10.7 reported for m-cresol in golden ide fish (Leuciscus idus melanotus)(7) and zebrafish (Danio rerio)(8), respectively, suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Based upon available test results, including OECD screening methods, m-cresol can be considered as being readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions(7). Aerobic biodegradation is considered to be the major removal mechanism for m-cresol in the hydrosphere(7). m-Cresol is expected to biodegrade in water based on reported half-lives in the range of 2 to 29 days (aerobic water) and 15 to 49 days (anaerobic water)(9). m-Cresol is a phenol and phenols in surface waters exposed to sunlight react with photo-oxidants (such as hydroxyl radicals, peroxy radicals and singlet oxygen) with a half-life on the order of 13 days(10). m-Cresol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(4).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), m-cresol, which has a vapor pressure of 0.11 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase m-cresol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 6 hours(SRC) from its rate constant of 5.88X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 21 °C(3). Vapor-phase m-cresol is also degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with nitrate radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 4 minutes(SRC) from its rate constant of 1.21X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). The nitrate radical is the dominant atmospheric oxidant during the night-time in most atmospheric environments(4), therefore, night-time degradation appears to be a major atmospheric loss process for m-cresol(SRC). m-Cresol absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm(5) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). m-Cresol has been detected in rain water(6,7) indicating it may be removed from the air by wet deposition(SRC).

AEROBIC: m-Cresol was degraded 99-100% in 7 and 2 days at 4 and 20 °C, respectively in river die-away tests(1). Die-away studies were performed in freshwater, estuarine water, and marine water from sites near Newport, NC throughout the year(2). In estuarine water the half-life ranged from 1-6 days(2). Rates were faster in freshwater and slower in marine water(2). While rates were highest during the summer in fresh and estuarine waters, the rate of degradation in marine water was almost independent of the season(2). m-Cresol was completely degraded in soil in 11 days at an application rate of 500 ppm(3). Low concentrations (39 ppb) of m-cresol degraded in subsurface materials taken from an uncontaminated aquifer(4). There was a linear increase in biodegradation with time over the 160 day experiment with a 0.07% per day average mineralization rate(4). When the concentration of m-cresol was increased to 788 ppb, no mineralization was observed(4). The disproportionate decrease in concentration of m-cresol in groundwater down-gradient from a wood-preserving facility has been ascribed to biodegradation(5). The biodegradation half-life of m-cresol in aerobic natural waters was reported to range from 2-29 days(6). Pure cultures isolated from reed-sedge peat bogs resulted in 99.3 % degradation of m-cresol during a 48 hour incubation period(7). The first-order aerobic biodegradation rate constant of m-cresol was reported as 0.0031/day(8), corresponding to a half-life of about 222 days(SRC). Biodegradation half-lives of 0.6 and 11.3 days were reported for m-cresol in 2 agricultural soils(9). Based upon available test results, including OECD screening methods, m-cresol can be considered as being readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions(10); in surface waters and sediments, half-lives in the range of hours to a few days are expected(10). Using OECD Guideline 301D (Closed-Bottle Test), m-cresol had 65-90% degradation over a 28-day incubation period(10). Using OECD Guideline 301C (Electrolytic Respirometry Test), m-cresol had 80-95% degradation over a 40-day incubation period(10). Using OECD Guideline 302B (Zahn-Wellens Test), m-cresol had 95.5-96% degradation over 5 and 10-day incubation periods(10).

ANAEROBIC: When m-cresol was incubated with two digester sludges under anaerobic conditions, 92 and 90% mineralization was reported in 4 and 5 weeks, respectively(1). No mineralization occurred in 29 weeks, however, when it was incubated with anaerobic freshwater sediment(1). m-Cresol was degraded 75% in an anaerobic digester sludge over a 10 week incubation period(2). m-Cresol was completely degraded in creosote contaminated groundwater in 37 days (lag time, 25 days) at 10 °C and 12 days (lag time, 8 days) at 20 °C under nitrate reducing conditions(3). No mineralization occurred when m-cresol was incubated anaerobically for 40 days at 37 °C with a sludge inoculum(4). The biodegradation half-life of m-cresol in anaerobic natural waters was reported to range from 15 to 49 days(5). Using adapted anaerobic sludge inoculum, m-cresol (300 mg/L concentration) degraded about 100% after 9 days with most of the m-cresol (87%) converted to methane(6). A 92% evolution of methane was observed in an anaerobic test using municipal sludge and m-cresol at 50 mg/L(6). Using a phenol-enriched methanogenic culture, m-cresol (100 mg/L) had an 85% theoretical CH4 production after 58 days of incubation(6).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of m-cresol with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been measured as 5.88X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 21 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 6 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of m-cresol with atmospheric ozone has been measured as 1.94X10-19 cu cm/molecule-sec at 23 °C(1); this corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 50 days at an atmospheric concentration of 7X10+11 ozone molecules per cu cm(2). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of m-cresol with atmospheric nitrate radicals has been measured as 1.21X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1); this corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 4 minutes(SRC) at an atmospheric concentration of 2.5X10+8 nitrate radicals per cu cm(3). The nitrate radical (NO3) is the dominant atmospheric oxidant during the night-time in most atmospheric environments(4), therefore, night-time degradation appears to be a major atmospheric loss process for m-cresol(SRC). m-Cresol absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm(5) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). When m-cresol sorbed on silica gel was irradiated for 3 days with light greater than 290 nm, 33.5% of the chemical was degraded to CO2(6). m-Cresol is a phenol and phenols in surface waters exposed to sunlight react with photo-oxidants (such as hydroxyl radicals, peroxy radicals and singlet oxygen) with a half-life on the order of 13 days(7). m-Cresol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(8).

Based on a 3-day exposure period of golden ide fish (Leuciscus idus melanotus) to 0.05 mg/L m-cresol, m-cresol had a BCF value of 20(1). A BCF of 10.7 has also been reported for zebrafish (Danio rerio)(2). According to a classification scheme(3), these BCF values suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low.

Using a clay loam soil in batch adsorption experiments similar to OECD Guideline 106, m-cresol had a Koc value of 34.58(1). p-Cresol had a similar Koc value in this experiment (48.66)(1), but based on measured Freundlich isotherms in five different horizon soils(2), p-cresol had a Koc range of 27 to 251 with an average of 173(SRC). A similar Koc range is expected for m-cresol(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this Koc value indicates that m-cresol is expected to have very high to moderate mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for m-cresol is 8.56X10-7 atm-cu m/mole (SRC) at 25 °C(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that m-cresol is expected to volatilize slowly from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 45 days(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 327 days(SRC). m-Cresol's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur slowly(SRC). m-Cresol may volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure of 0.11 mm Hg at 25 °C(3).

GROUNDWATER: m-Cresol was detected in groundwater in a sand aquifer at a wood-preserving facility in Pensacola, FL (5 sites, 5 depths) 0-13.73 mg/L(1) and in the Southington, CT landfill site at 0.6 mg/L(2). m-Cresol was detected at a monitoring well under a rapid infiltration site at Fort Devens, MA at 0.02 ug/L(3). Groundwater near an abandoned pine tar manufacturing plant in Gainesville, FL had concentrations of combined m,p-cresol isomers at less than 0.3 to 11,100 ug/L(4). m-Cresol was detected in the groundwater at the Gas Works Park, Seattle, WA at a concentration of 1.5 mg/L(5). m-Cresol was detected in groundwater at the American Creosote Works facility in Pensacola, FL at 2.5 mg/L(6). Combined isomers of m,p-cresol were detected in groundwater near coal gasification plants in Denmark at concentrations of 5-77 ug/L(7).

DRINKING WATER: m-Cresol was identified, not quantified, in drinking water in the US(1).

SURFACE WATER: m-Cresol was identified, not quantified, in the Lake Michigan Basin - St. Joseph River(1). m-Cresol was detected in stream water near the American Creosote Works facility in Pensacola, FL at 0.0031 mg/L(2).

RAIN/SNOW: m-Cresol was detected in 7 rainfall events in Portland, OR at concentrations of 380-2,000 parts per trillion(1). Combined m,p-cresol isomers were detected in rainfall in Switzerland at a concentration of 4.5 mg/cu m(2). Combined m,p-cresol isomers were detected in the rain in Portland, OR at concentrations of greater than 1.1 ug/L(3). Combined m,p-cresol isomers were detected in rain in the Vosges Mountains, France at concentrations of 0.47-2.23 ug/L(4). Combined m,p-cresol was detected in cloud water samples collected from Mount Brocken, Germany (June 1994) at concentrations of 0.6 to 3.5 ug/L(5).

m-Cresol was identified, not quantified in 20 of 28 samples representing effluents from refineries, petrochemical, and metallurgical industries, municipal wastewater plants and polluted fjords in Norway(1). m-Cresol was identified, not quantified in finished water from advanced waste treatment plants(2). m-Cresol was identified, not quantified in leachate from a hazardous waste site in the Midwestern US(3). Product water from a coal gasification plant in Gillette, WY contained m-cresol at 850 ppm and aqueous condensate from low Btu gasification of coal in Morgantown, WV contained m-cresol at 4,490 ppm(4). m-Cresol was detected at 561 ppm in boiler water from a shale oil processing plant in DeBeque, CO(4). m-Cresol was detected in feedwater and permeate water at the American Creosote Works facility in Pensacola, FL at 11.30 and 0.271 mg/L, respectively(5). Combined m,p-cresol isomers were detected in condensate retort water (42.6 mg/L) and process retort water (9.6 mg/L) in an oil shale processing plant in Logan, WA(6). m-Cresol was identified, not quantified, in the ash from wood burning stoves(7). Combined isomers of m,p-cresol were detected in wastewater from a coal gasification plant in North Dakota at a concn of 1,840 mg/L(8). m-Cresol was detected in wastewater from a coal power plant in India at 901.2 mg/L(9). Combined isomers of m,p-cresol were detected in landfill leachate in Sweden at 34 ug/L(10). Combined isomers of m,p-cresol were detected in the emissions of motor vehicles inside and outside a Los Angeles, CA tunnel at an emission rate of 4449.1 ug/L gasoline burned(11). Combined isomers of m,p-cresol emission factors from open-flow and half-closed wood-heaters was 2.96 and 7.50 mg/kg wood burned in the particle matter and 10.1 and 49.2 mg/kg wood burned in the vapor emissions(12).

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste numbers F004, U052 and D024, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

This combustible material may be burned in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.

Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Chemical Treatability of m-Cresol; Concentration Process: Biological Treatment; Chemical Classification: Phenols; Scale of Study: Unknown; Type of Wastewater Used: Pure (one solute in a solvent); Results of Study: 96% reduction based on chemical oxygen demand; rate of biodegradation 55 mg chemical oxygen demand/g hr. (Activated sludge process).

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for m-CRESOL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 153: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (COMBUSTIBLE)/ Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. /Cresols; Cresols, liquid; Cresols, solid; Cresylic acid/

/GUIDE 153: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (COMBUSTIBLE)/ Fire or Explosion: Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors, and sewers explosion hazards. Those substances designated with a "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form. /Cresols; Cresols, liquid; Cresols, solid; Cresylic acid/

/GUIDE 153: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (COMBUSTIBLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas. /Cresols; Cresols, liquid; Cresols, solid; Cresylic acid/

/GUIDE 153: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (COMBUSTIBLE)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. /Cresols; Cresols, liquid; Cresols, solid; Cresylic acid/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for m-CRESOL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN2022; Cresylic acid

UN 3455; Cresols, solid

UN 2076; Cresols, liquid

IMO 6.1; Cresols, liquid; Cresols, solid; Cresylic acid

49 314 17; Cresol (o-, m-, and p-)

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials. /Cresylic acid; Cresols, liquid; Cresols, solid/

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article. /Cresylic acid; Cresols, liquid; Cresols, solid/

Poison Corrosive

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

Symbol: T, C; R: 24/25-34; S: (1/2)-36/37/39-45; Note: C

UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Subsidiary Risks: 8; UN Pack Group: II