phenol

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]

H331: Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]

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

P203, P260, P261, P262, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P318, P319, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 4205) of reports.

H301 (99.9%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

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

H314 (> 99.9%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H318 (17.7%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H331 (99.7%): Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H341 (99.3%): Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]

H373 (99.7%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

H411 (13.6%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P203, P260, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 4205 reports by companies from 95 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 4205 reports by companies.

There are 94 notifications provided by 4204 of 4205 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

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.

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

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

H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]

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]

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

H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P203, P260, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P273, P280, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

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

P273, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H340: May cause genetic defects [Danger Germ cell mutagenicity]

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

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

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.

Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. To remove substance use polyethylene glycol 300 or vegetable oil. Refer immediately for medical attention .

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

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention.

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

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required. Removal of solidified molten material from skin requires medical assistance. (ERG, 2024)

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)

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Phenol:

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 - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Swallow: MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. (NIOSH, 2024)

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Phenol Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to phenol may be severe, and range from tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid respiratory rate) to hypotension (low blood pressure), weak pulse, cardiac failure, pulmonary edema, and respiratory arrest. Cardiac arrhythmias may be noted. Weakness, headache, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), delirium, and shock are common. Seizures may often be followed by coma. Pallor, profuse sweating, dilated pupils, and a profound drop in body temperature may occur. Gastrointestinal effects may include nausea, abdominal pain, bloody vomitus, and bloody diarrhea. Renal insufficiency may lead to hematuria (bloody urine). Liver damage may also occur. Phenol is corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes. Contact may result in severe and painful burns, which promptly become anesthetized (numb) to touch and pain. Ulceration may follow.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to phenol may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:

1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to phenol.

2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.

3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

4. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:

1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to phenol.

3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.

4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.

5. Remove phenol from skin with undiluted polyethylene glycol 300 or 400, if available. If not available, use water. Follow polyethylene glycol wash with a water wash.

6. Wash exposed skin areas for at least 15 minutes with large amounts of water.

7. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

8. Transport to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:

1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.

2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

3. Immediately give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.

4. If a dilute (5% or less) solution has been ingested, vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. DO NOT induce vomiting if concentration is greater than 5% or unknown. If elapsed time since ingestion of phenol is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step

5. Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age.Warning: Ingestion of phenol may result in sudden onset of seizures or loss of consciousness. Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag-reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step

5.The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal.

5. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.

6. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.

7. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

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

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Move container from fire area if it can be done without risk; fight fire from maximum distance; dike fire control water for later disposal, do not scatter the material. Small fires: dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or foam (alcohol); large fires: water spray, fog or foam; use water spray to cool containers in fire area. (EPA, 1998)

Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, powder, carbon dioxide.

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. Keep run off-water out of sewers and water sources. /Phenol, solid/

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water as flooding quantities as fog. 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. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources. /Phenol, molten/

To fight fire, use alcohol foam, carbon dioxide or dry chemical.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.

· DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.

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)

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.

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

· 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.

Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Control runoff and isolate discharged material for proper disposal. Approach release from upwind.

Phenolic cmpd in wastewater are oxidized with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by Fe+3-Fe+2. When the wt ratio of PhOH:H2O2 is 1:3 and iron 5-100 ppm, more than 95% of the phenols are removed in 30 min from a 500 ppm phenol soln at pH 5-6 and 25-50 °C.

Spills must be disposed of immediately by properly protected personnel; no other person should remain in the area. Flush with flooding quantities of water, then use caustic soda soln for neutralization.

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.

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.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U188, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Waste liquor containing 50,000 ppm was adjusted to give effluent containing 1 ppm then treated with activated sludge to give final effluent containing 0.07 ppm, 10% of which was recycled to conditioning tank.

Chemical Treatability of Phenol; Concentration Process: Reverse Osmosis; Chemical Classification: Phenol; Scale of Study: Batch Flow; Type of Wastewater Used: Pure; Results of Study: -5.7% reduction w/CA membrane; 76.5% reduction w/C-PE1 membrane.

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for PHENOL (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Workmen should not be permitted to enter empty tank which has been filled with phenol until it has been thoroughly cleaned and ... air concn ... is below 5 ppm.

Areas in which people handle phenol should be equipped with /SRP: isopropyl/ alcohol solution cans and safety showers.

Contact lenses should not be worn while working with this chemical.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for PHENOL (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)

Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed. Store only in original container. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Phenol should be stored in closed containers in an area which is adequate to ensure that airborne phenol concentrations do not exceed 20 mg/cu m. Conditions shall be controlled to prevent overheating and the buildup of pressure in phenol containers. Storage tanks must be electrically grounded and bonded to transfer lines. Transfer and storage systems shall be designed and operated to prevent blockage by condensed phenol. Open flames are prohibited when drums of phenol are heated to melt the contents. The internal pressure will be vented by placing the drums with the bung up and the bung loosened. The bungs shall be tightened prior to moving or handling drums. Drums, carboys, or other containers of phenol shall be closed while being handled or moved. Transfer from such containers shall be done carefully to avoid splashes, spills, or other possible circumstances by which an employee may come in contact with phenol. Bulk storage facilities shall be designed and constructed to contain any leaks or spills.

Keep well closed and protected from light.

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizers and acute fire hazards.

Storage tanks should be equipped with heating coils which pass upward through the entire vessel ... . Tanks may be constructed by either welding or riveting. ... Underground tanks are not recommended.

Phenolic resins, PVC, neoprene, saran, and polyethylene are generally unsuitable storage container materials for phenol. /From table/

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) [ACGIH] - Total phenol in urine = 250 mg/g creatinine; end of shift;

166.0 [ppm]

AEGL 1: Notable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic non-sensory effects. However, the effects are not disabling and are transient and reversible upon cessation of exposure (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 2: Irreversible or other serious, long-lasting adverse health effects or an impaired ability to escape (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 3: Life-threatening health effects or death (Unit: ppm)

NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data Level of Distinct Odor Awareness (LOA) = 0.25 ppm

AEGLs Status: Final

15 [ppm]

23 [ppm]

200 [ppm]

5 ppm (19 mg/m³)

15.6 ppm (60 mg/m³) [15 minutes]

TWA 5 ppm (19 mg/m3) C 15.6 ppm (60 mg/m3) [15-minute] [skin]

5.0 [ppm]

5 ppm (19mg/m³)

TWA 5 ppm (19 mg/m3) [skin]

250 ppm [From NPG: Phenol] (NIOSH, 2024)

250 ppm (NIOSH, 2024)

250.0 [ppm]

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: In rats, an exposure of 312 ppm for 1 hour only resulted in lacrimation and eye and nasal irritation; a slight loss of coordination was reported within 4 hours of exposure to 230 ppm [Flickinger 1976];\\ Human data: It has been stated that the toxicity of phenol is closely related to that of cresol [ACGIH 1991]. It has been reported that 14 to 140 mg/kg is the lethal oral dose [Deichmann and Gerarde 1969; Lefaux 1978]. [Note: An oral dose of 14 to 140 mg/kg is equivalent to a 70­kg worker being exposed to 167 to 1,670 ppm for 30 minutes, assuming a breathing rate of 50 liters per minute and 100% absorption.]

See: 108952

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA) 5 ppm, skin

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed three times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 min during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed five times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded.

A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

Biological Exposure Index (BEI): Determinant: Phenol in urine (with hydrolysis); Sampling Time: end of shift; BEI: 250 mg/g creatinine. The determinant may be present in biological specimens collected from subjects who have not been occupationally exposed, at a concentration which could affect interpretation of the result. Such background concentrations are incorporated in the BEI value. The determinant is nonspecific, since it is also observed after exposure to other chemicals.

5 ppm as TWA; (skin); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); BEI issued.

5 ppm [1992]

skin absorption (H); carcinogen category: 3; germ cell mutagen group: 3B.

Acute Oral: 1 mg/kg/day (Rat) (L624)

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

Large Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

Phenol solution, [aqueous] is a white crystalline mass dissolved in an aqueous solution. Solution may be colorless to slightly pink in color with a distinctive phenol odor; sharp burning taste. Aqueous solution will be acidic and act as such. Toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption; strong irritant to tissues.

Phenol, liquid appears as a colorless liquid when pure, otherwise pink or red. Combustible. Flash point 175 °F. Must be heated before ignition may occur easily. Vapors are heavier than air. Corrosive to skin but because of anesthetic qualities will numb rather than burn. Upon contact skin may turn white. May be lethal by skin absorption. Does not react with water. Stable in normal transportation. Reactive with various chemicals and may be corrosive to lead, aluminum and its alloys, certain plastics, and rubber. Freezing point about 105 °F. Density 8.9 lb / gal. Used to make plastics, adhesives and other chemicals.

Phenol, molten is the white crystalline solid shipped at an elevated temperature to form a semi-solid. It is very hot and may cause burns from contact and also may cause the ignition of combustible materials. It is toxic by ingestion, and inhalation of its fumes, and skin absorption. It may also be very irritating to skin and eyes. It is used to make other chemicals.

Phenol, solid appears as a solid melting at 110 °F. Colorless if pure, otherwise pink or red. Flash point 175 °F. Density 9.9 lb / gal. Vapors are heavier than air Corrosive to the skin (turning skin white) but because of its anesthetic quality numbs rather than burn. Lethal amounts can be absorbed through the skin. Used to make plastics and adhesives.

Dry Powder; Liquid; Large Crystals; Gas Vapor; Liquid; CBI

Colorless to light-pink, crystalline solid with a sweet, acrid odor. [Note: Phenol liquefies by mixing with about 8% water.] [NIOSH] Pure form is liquefied by water absorbed from the air; [CPS&Q: RARs - Final Report]

COLOURLESS-TO-YELLOW OR LIGHT PINK CRYSTALS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

White crystalline mass, sharp, medicinal, sweet, tarry odour

Colorless to light-pink, crystalline solid with a sweet, acrid odor.

Colorless to light-pink, crystalline solid with a sweet, acrid odor. [Note: Phenol liquefies by mixing with about 8% water.]

Colorless acicular crystals or white, crystalline mass

White crystalline mass of hygroscopic, translucent needle-shaped crystals; pink or red when impurities are present; darkens on exposure to light

White, crystalline mass that turns pink or red if not perfectly pure or if under influence of light.

Colorless to light pink, interlaced, or separate, needleshaped crystals, or a ... light pink, crystalline mass

Colorless to light pink crystalline solid. [Note: Phenol liquefies by mixing with about 8% water.]

Distinct aromatic, somewhat sickening sweet and acrid odor, discernable at 0.5 to 5 ppm

Sweet, tarry odor

Somewhat sickeningly sweet and acrid

Sharp, burning taste

When in very weak solution it has a sweetish taste.

360 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

359 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)

359.1 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)

181.75 °C @ 101.3 kPa

181.87 °C @760 [mm Hg]

109 °F (NTP, 1992)

109 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

109 °F (EPA, 1998)

40.91 °C

40.89 °C

175 °F (NTP, 1992)

175 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

174.2 °F (EPA, 1998)

175 °F; 79 °C, (Closed cup)

85 °C, (Open cup)

79 °C c.c.

50 to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)

9 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

1 g/15 ml water

1 g/12 ml benzene

Water soluble.

Soluble in water.

Decomposes slowly in air. Mixtures of 9-10% phenol in air are explosive. Soluble in water

Phenols and Cresols

Acids, Weak

Water and Aqueous Solutions

CSL00154

Phenol + Paraformaldehyde

Unexpected raise of pressure due to closure of venting system. The formation of phenol-formaldehyde resins in batch reactors is known for potential runaway reactions.

Aldehyde

Not Available

Substance identification sources: Phenol. CAS Common Chemistry. CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, n.d. https://commonchemistry.cas.org/detail?cas_rn=108-95-2 (retrieved 2022-01-27) (CAS RN: 108-95-2). Paraformaldehyde. CAS Common Chemistry. CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, n.d. https://commonchemistry.cas.org/detail?cas_rn=30525-89-4 (retrieved 2022-01-27) (CAS RN: 30525-89-4).

User Reported

01/27/2022

CSL00162

Phenol + Formaldehyde + Sodium hydroxide

Reaction with Sodium hydroxide resulted in a runaway reaction and an explosion.

Explosive

04/22/2022

04/21/2022

Phenols do not behave as organic alcohols, as one might guess from the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group in their structure. Instead, they react as weak organic acids. Phenols and cresols are much weaker as acids than common carboxylic acids (phenol has pKa = 9.88). These materials are incompatible with strong reducing substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat of the reaction may ignite the gas. Heat is also generated by the acid-base reaction between phenols and bases. Such heating may initiate polymerization of the organic compound. Phenols are sulfonated very readily (for example, by concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature). The reactions generate heat. Phenols are also nitrated very rapidly, even by dilute nitric acid. Phenol may explode in contact with peroxodisulfuric acid (D'Ans, J. Ber., 1910, 43, 1880; Z. Anorg. Chem., 1911, 73, 1911.) or peroxomonosulfuric acid. (Sidgwick, 1950, 939)

A liquid containing over 50% phenol. See Phenol (solid). Phenols do not behave as organic alcohols, as one might guess from the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group in their structure. Instead, they react as weak organic acids. Phenols and cresols are much weaker as acids than common carboxylic acids (phenol has pKa = 9.88). These materials are incompatible with strong reducing substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat of the reaction may ignite the gas. Heat is also generated by the acid-base reaction between phenols and bases. Such heating may initiate polymerization of the organic compound. Phenols are sulfonated very readily (for example, by concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature). The reactions generate heat. Phenols are also nitrated very rapidly, even by dilute nitric acid. Nitrated phenols often explode when heated. Many of them form metal salts that tend toward detonation by rather mild shock. Phenol may explode in contact with peroxodisulfuric acid (D'Ans, J. Ber., 1910, 43, 1880; Z. Anorg. Chem., 1911, 73, 1911.) or peroxomonosulfuric acid. (Sidgwick, 1950, 939)

PHENOL does not behave as organic alcohols, as one might guess from the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group in their structure. Instead, they react as weak organic acids. Phenols and cresols are much weaker as acids than common carboxylic acids (phenol has pKa = 9.88). These materials are incompatible with strong reducing substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat of the reaction may ignite the gas. Heat is also generated by the acid-base reaction between phenols and bases. Such heating may initiate polymerization of the organic compound. Phenols are sulfonated very readily (for example, by concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature). The reactions generate heat. Phenols are also nitrated very rapidly, even by dilute nitric acid. PHENOL melts at 40.6 °C. White, pink or red liquid of distinctive odor. See Phenol (solid). Phenol may explode in contact with peroxodisulfuric acid (D'Ans, J. Ber., 1910, 43, 1880; Z. Anorg. Chem., 1911, 73, 1911.) or peroxomonosulfuric acid. (Sidgwick, 1950, 939).

PHENOL is a weak acid. Reacts exothermically with bases. Reacts with strong oxidizing agents. Emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes when heated to decomposition. Undergoes, in the presence of aluminum chloride, potentially explosive reactions with nitromethane, butadiene, formaldehyde, peroxodisulfuric acid, peroxosulfuric acid, and sodium nitrite. Reacts violently with sodium nitrate in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 770]. May corrode lead, aluminum and its alloys, certain plastics, and rubber. Phenol may explode in contact with peroxodisulfuric acid (D'Ans, J. Ber., 1910, 43, 1880; Z. Anorg. Chem., 1911, 73, 1911.) or peroxomonosulfuric acid. (Sidgwick, 1950, 939)

Addition of aluminum chloride to a large volume of recovered nitrobenzene containing 5% phenol caused a violent explosion. Experiment showed that mixtures containing all three components reacted violently at 120 °C.

Uncontrolled contact of phenol with peroxodisulfuric acid may cause explosion.

/A combination of phenol with calcium hypochlorite/ ... is an exothermic reaction producing toxic fumes, which may ignite.

Mixtures of peroxymonosulfuric acid with phenol explode.

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for PHENOL (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Strong oxidizers, calcium hypochlorite, aluminum chloride, acids

CDC-ATSDR Toxicological Profile

HUMAN TOXICITY: Phenol is toxic with a probable oral lethal dose to humans of 50-500 mg/kg. Some individuals may be hypersensitive with lethality or serious effects at very low exposures. Rapid absorption and severe systemic toxicity can occur after any route of exposure including skin. Death and severe toxicity are usually due to effects on the CNS, heart, blood vessels, lung, and kidneys. However, toxic manifestations may vary somewhat with the route. Observed effects from acute exposure may include: shock, delirium, coma, pulmonary distress, phenolic breath, scanty/dark urine, and death. Protracted or chronic exposure usually results in major damage to the liver, kidneys and eyes. Pigmentary changes of the skin have been noted. Consumption of water contaminated with phenol resulted in diarrhea, mouth sores, burning of the mouth, and dark urine. Phenol is highly caustic to tissues. Skin exposure results in pain, then numbness, blanching, severe burns, and eschar formation. Ingestion leads to burning of throat and severe gastrointestinal inflammation. Inhalation can result in pulmonary irritation and edema. ANIMAL TOXICITY: Toxicity in animals is similar to that of humans, although additional effects have been observed. LD50's in animals range from 250-500 mg/kg, differing very little with route of exposure or species, except for the cat which is unusually susceptible with an oral lethal dose of 80 mg/kg. Additional reported toxic effects include irritation and corrosivity of skin and eyes in rabbits, induction of skin tumors in mice, reproductive effects in rats, and mutagenicity with Salmonella, E coli and Drosophila. Phenol is also highly toxic to aquatic life and frogs. METABOLISM: Phenol is metabolized and excreted principally by the kidneys as the sulfate or glucuronide, although some phenol may be excreted unchanged, especially at high doses. Other reported metabolites include hydroquinone, other quinones and catechols.

Phenol is irritating and corrosive at high concentrations. Phenol impairs the stratum corneum and produces coagulation necrosis by denaturing and precipitating proteins. It is suggested that dermal application of phenol increases the formation of free radicals in the skin, and that the redox cycling of these radicals reduces antioxidant capacity, leading to significant oxidative damage of protein, DNA, and lipids. Phenol also act as a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. (A227, L624)

3 x 10 ^-1 mg/kg-day

Semi-Volatile Organic Compound (SVOC) and(or) Waste-water effluent contaminant

An exception to the HBSL methodology was made as recommended by USEPA OW and OPP to use the RfD from IRIS instead of the more recent RfD from OPP.

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of phenol. There is inadequate evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of phenol. Overall evaluation: Phenol is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).

A4: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

Cancer Classification: Group D Not Classifiable as to Human Carcinogenicity

CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Based on no human carcinogenicity data and inadequate animal data. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate.

Group 3: Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans

Volume 47: (1989) Some Organic Solvents, Resin Monomers and Related Compounds, Pigments and Occupational Exposures in Paint Manufacture and Painting

Volume 71: (1999) Re-evaluation of Some Organic Chemicals, Hydrazine and Hydrogen Peroxide (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)

TR-203: Bioassay of Phenol for Possible Carcinogenicity (CASRN 108-95-2) (1980 )

02/15/80

No Evidence

Under the conditions of this bioassay, phenol was not carcinogenic for either male or female F344 rats or male and female B6C3F1 mice.

3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. (L135)

Long-term exposure to phenol at work has been associated with cardiovascular disease, irritation of the respiratory tract and muscle twitching depedning of the route of exposure. Ingestion of liquid products containing concentrated phenol can cause serious gastrointestinal damage and even death. Application of concentrated phenol to the skin can cause severe skin damage. Longer-term exposure to high levels of phenol caused damaged to the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs. Liver effects, as judged by increased serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST), were also reported in a case of prolonged inhalation exposure to phenol. (L624)

Serious local effects by all routes of exposure.

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

Inhalation (L159) ; oral (L159) ; dermal (L159) ; eye contact (L159)

Sore throat. Burning sensation. Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed.

MAY BE ABSORBED! Serious skin burns. Numbness. Convulsions. Collapse. Unconsciousness.

Pain. Redness. Loss of vision. Severe burns.

Sore throat. Burns in mouth and throat. Convulsions. Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Shock or collapse.

irritation eyes, nose, throat; anorexia, weight loss; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), muscle ache, pain; dark urine; cyanosis; liver, kidney damage; skin burns; dermatitis; ochronosis; tremor, convulsions, twitching

Burning pain in mouth and throat; white necrotic lesions in mouth; abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, pallor, sweating, weakness, headache, dizziness, tinnitus can result from phenol poisoning. Phenol absorption can lead to weak irregular pulse, hypotension, shallow respirations, cyanosis, pallor, a profound fall in body temperature, muscle tremors, and difficulty walking. Possibly fleeting excitement and confusion, followed by unconsciousness. (T48, L624)

Body Weight, Dermal (Skin), Hepatic (Liver), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys

Neurotoxin - Other CNS neurotoxin

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.

Nephrotoxin - The chemical is potentially toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting.

Methemoglobinemia - The presence of increased methemoglobin in the blood; the compound is classified as secondary toxic effect

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.

Calculated acceptable daily intake= 0.1 mg/kg.

ATSDR Final

IRIS Current

LC50 Crangon crangon (Tisbe battagliai copepodid stage) 172 mg/l/24 hr in sea water at 15 °C

LC50 Daphnia magna (young) 17 mg/l/24-48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

LC50 Daphnia magna (adult) 21; 61 mg/l /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

LC50 Brine shrimp 56; 157 mg/l/24 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for PHENOL (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Phenol is very toxic to fish and has a nearly unique quality of tainting the taste of fish if present in marine environments at 0.1-1.0 ppm.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ In grey mullet exposed to 5 mg phenol/l for 8 days, blood sugar and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase in blood plasma were above controls; no gross pathology was observed. After an 8 day exposure to 7.5 mg phenol/l, blood hemoglobin concn, hematocrit value, and lactate, protein, glyceride, and cholesterol concentrations were below controls and blood sugar concn and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and GPT were above controls. Damage to gills, liver, gallbladder, and kidney was observed. Higher concentrations (10-28 mg/l) were lethal in several hours; 0.5 mg/l was nontoxic during an 8 day exposure.

1.90e+04

2.50e+05

2.10e+02

8.80e+02

5.80e+03

1.5E+01(G)

3.30e+00

3.00e-01

2.00e-01

Volatile

5.70e+04

7.40e+05

6.30e+02

2.60e+03

1.70e+04

1.5E+01 (G)

The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms.

Phenols's production and use as a chemical intermediate, disinfectant and antiseptic may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. It is also released by wood stoves, vehicle exhaust and other combustion processes. Phenol is naturally produced in decaying organic matter. If released to air, a measured vapor pressure of 0.35 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates phenol will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. The measured rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of phenol with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals is 2.63X10-11 cu cm/molecule sec at 25 °C. This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of 14.6 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm. During the nighttime, phenol reacts with nitrate radicals with a resulting half-life of 12 minutes. If released to soil, phenol is expected to have high mobility based upon Koc values that are generally below 100. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.33X10-7 atm-cu m/mole. The pKa of phenol is 9.99, indicating that this compound will primarily exist in its un-ionized form at environmental conditions. Phenol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure 0.35 mm Hg at 25 °C. Phenol's degradation in soil is completed in 2-5 days, even in subsurface soils. If released into water, phenol is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the Koc values of 2900 and 3100 for fine and coarse sediment, respectively. Phenol completely mineralized in <1 day in water from 3 lakes; rates increase with increasing concns of phenol and the organic content of the water. It was completely removed in river water after 2 days at 20 °C and after 4 days at 4 °C. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon phenol's Henry's Law constant. The BCFs reported in fish include: Goldorfe, 20; goldfish (Carassius auratus), 1.9; fish (unspecified), 17; fish (unspecified), 1.7; and 39, rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). The reported BCF values and the rapid elimination of phenol suggests that bioaccumulation of phenol is unlikely. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process, since phenol lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to phenol may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with phenol at workplaces where phenol is produced or used or via inhalation and dermal absorption of phenol-containing wastewater, emissions and disinfectants or solvents. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to phenol via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food and drinking water, and dermal contact with consumer or medicinal products containing phenol. Dermal absorption of phenol may also occur from contact with decomposing organic matter than may contain phenol. (SRC)

Phenol is present in animal, leaf litter and other organic wastes as a result of decomposition(1-3). The level of phenol present in poultry manure has been shown to increase in time as degradation proceeds(2).

Phenol is obtained from coal tar.

Phenol's production and use as a chemical intermediate in the production of bisphenol-A, phenolic resins, caprolactam, aniline, alkylphenols and other chemicals, as well as its use as a disinfectant and antiseptic(1,2) may result in phenol being released to the environment as emissions and in wastewater as a result of its production and use(SRC). Wood smoke from fireplaces and wood stoves contain high concns of phenol and would be expected to be a major source of phenol in winter air in northern cities(6). Phenol is found in gasoline and diesel engine exhaust and it was estimated that 3600 kg of phenol were emitted each day in Los Angeles from these sources during the summer of 1987(3). It is found in cigarette smoke, and emissions from refuse combustion, brewing, foundries, wood pulping, plastics mfg, lacquer mfg, and glass fibre mfg(4). Laboratory tests indicate that phenol would be found in leachate from tires(5). It is also released from some plastics when heated (e.g., micarta emissions 34% phenol when heated to 280 °C)(7). Phenol is a photooxidation product of benzene(4), and would be produced in the atmosphere from benzene emissions(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: The Koc for phenol in a Batcombe silt loam soil (pH 6.7, organic carbon 2.51%) is 30.2(1). The Koc for phenol is 16.1 for a Brookstone clay loam (pH 5.7, organic matter 5.1%) and varied with pH and iron content of the soil(2). The Freundlich K (1/N) for phenol in Captina (pH 5.7, 1.1 % organic matter) and Palouse silt loam (pH 5.7, 3.6% organic matter) soils are 0.58 (1.15) and 0.81 (1.00)(3); the Koc values for these soils are 91 and 38.8(SRC). Based on a classification scheme(4), Koc values in these ranges, indicate that phenol is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of phenol from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC), given a Henry's law constant of 3.33X10-7 atm cu m/mol at 25 °C(5). Phenol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC), based upon a measured vapor pressure of 0.35 mm Hg at 25 °C(6). Phenol degradation in soil is completed in 2-5 days, even in subsurface soils(7).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 2900 and 3100 for phenol in <2 um and >2 um sediment, respectively (2), indicates that phenol is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces would not be expected to be a major fate process(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.33X10-7 atm cu m/mol at 25 °C(4). The pKa of phenol is 9.99(5), indicating that phenol will primarily exist in its un-ionized form in the environment. The BCFs reported in fish include: Goldorfe, 20(6); goldfish (Carassius auratus), 1.9(7); fish (unspecified), 17(8); fish (unspecified), 1.7(9); and 39, rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)(10). According to a classification scheme(11), reported BCF values and the rapid elimination of phenol suggests that bioaccumulation of phenol is unlikely(SRC). According to a classification scheme(11), BCF values <30 are low and from 100 or greater are high. No oxidants were formed when an aqueous phenol solution was irradiated with sunlight for 5 hours(12). Phenol is completely mineralized in <1 day in water from 3 lakes; rates increase with increasing concns of phenol and the organic content of the water (e.g., degraded faster in an eutrophic lake than an oligotropic one)(13). Phenol was completely removed in river water after 2 days at 20 °C and after 4 days at 4 °C(14). The rates of photolysis in summer sunlight (24 °C, midday surface irradiance 4.9 E/sq m-hr) and winter (10 °C, midday surface irradiance 2.9 E/sq m-hr) were determined in distilled water (0.016 M phosphate buffer and treated with 0.4% formaldehyde), poisoned estuarine water (treated with 0.4% formaldehyde), and estuarine waster, all at pH 7.7, using ring-UL-14C-labeled phenol in a flask suspended 3 cm below the surface of water in an outdoor tank of circulating estuarine water(15). The phototransformation half-lives in distilled, poisoned estuarine water, and estuarine water were 46, 43, and 39 hours in summer, respectively, and 173, 118, and 94 hours in winter, respectively(15). The photomineralization (CO2 appearance) half-lives in distilled, poisoned estuarine water, and estuarine water were 16, 16, and 7 days in summer, respectively, and 169, 110, and 73 days in winter, respectively(15).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), phenol, which has a measured vapor pressure of 0.35 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. The measured rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of phenol with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals is 2.63X10-11 cu cm/molecule s at 25 °C(3). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of 14.6 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(SRC). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of phenol with nitrate radicals is 3.92X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 23 °C(4,5). This corresponds to a half-life of 12 minutes at a nitrate radical concn of 2.4X10+8 per cu cm (over continental areas)(SRC). The reaction with nitrate radicals is only important during the nighttime(SRC). Phenol does not absorb UV radiation >290(6), and would not be expected to undergo direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

AEROBIC: Phenol is a benchmark chemical in screening tests and there is abundant data to indicate that phenol biodegrades fast in aerobic screening tests using a variety of techniques and inocula, including acclimated and unacclimated activated sludge, sewage, and soil(SRC). Only selected results are included here (SRC). In a 2-week biodegradation screening test (MITI test) using phenol (100 mg/l) and an activated sludge inoculum, 85% of theoretical BOD was removed(1). Phenol was completely removed in 1 day or less using a soil suspension(2) or activated sludge inocula(3,6). Complete degradation was observed in 4 days using sediment from an oil refinery settling pond as an inoculum(4). It was shown that the presence of aromatic compounds like benzene and naphthalene had a mild inhibitory effect on degradation(4). In five days, the BOD consumed was 90% and 50% of theoretical using a sewage inoculum and freshwater and seawater, respectively(5). Another investigator who obtained 80% of theoretical BOD consumed after 5 days demonstrated that adaptation of the inoculum has a marked effect on the biodegradation rate(8). Decreasing the concn of phenol significantly reduces the lag time required to initiate degradation and increases the removal rate(9). The maximum mineralization rates of phenol in sewage and landfill leachate were 6.5X10-4 and 2.7X10-4 hr-1, respectively(7). A lag period was observed in landfill leachate(7).

Phenol readily biodegrades in biological treatment plants; removals in an aerobic activated sludge reactor (retention time of 8 hr)(3) and a continuous reactor(6) was close to 100%. Partial inhibition has been noted at concns as low as 50 ppm in aerobic reactors using industrial wastewater seed and activated sludge seed(4). In a semi-continuous activated sludge (SCAS) test with phenol, 39% of theoretical BOD was consumed in 12 hr(1). The COD reduction ranged from 60-99% in a test using a biofilm reactor with a 0.9 hr retention time(2). Phenol was also completely removed in an artificial recharge pilot plant(5). In a monitoring study of 37 water pollution control plants in Ontario, Canada, the concn of phenol was markedly reduced both in number of detections and concn after more progressive stages of treatment (i.e, primary, secondary, tertiary)(7).

Phenol completely mineralized in <1 day in water from 3 lakes; rates increase with increasing concns of phenol and the organic content of the water (e.g., degraded faster in an eutrophic lake than an oligotropic one(3). It was completely removed in river water after 2 days at 20 °C and after 4 days at 4 °C(4). Degradation is slower in salt water; the degradation rate in the estuarine Skidway River, GA was 0.079 hr-1 (half-life 9 days)(1). Laboratory tests were conducted to ascertain the seasonal mineralization of trace levels of 14C-phenol by heterotrophic microorganisms in seston and surface sediment at four sites in southwestern Virginia(2). The mean turnover rates for the four sites between April and May 1986 at 10 °C were 0.015, 0.023, 0.023, and 0.064 mg/hr sediment ash-free dry wt (AFDW)(2). Mineralization reached a maximum of 1.21X10-4 to 1.16X10-3 mg phenol mineralized/mg AFDW-hr in October, an increase of 92-625% for seston samples and 46-128% for sediment samples over baseline August levels, despite decreasing stream temperatures(2). This autumnal peak in phenol degradation is attributed to the pulsed input of allochthonous detritus, especially leaf litter which contains substantial quantities of phenol and related compounds(2).

Phenol degradation in soil is completed in 2-5 days, even in subsurface soils(5). The percent mineralization in an alkaline, para-brown soil under aerobic conditions was 45.5%, 48%, and 65% after 3, 7, and 70 days, respectively(1). Half-lives for degr of low concn of phenol in Captina (pH 5.7, 1.1% organic matter) and Palouse silt loam (pH 5.7, 3.6% organic matter) soils were 2.70 and 3.51 hrs(2). Its disappearance from a Chernozem soil increased from 10 to 110 days as the concn of phenol increased from 1000 to 9000 ppm(4). The biodegradation half-life in acidic and basic soil has been reported to be 552 and 98.4 hr, respectively(3). The biodegradation of phenol in subsurface under a typical Midwest agricultural soil was studied by determining rates in strata of a 26-m bore(6). Phenol biodegraded rapidly (within 0-1 day) in samples from the aquifer capillary fringe, saturated zone, and surface soil; lag periods and lower rates were found in till samples(6). The half-lives and lag times were (sample, half-life, lag): surface layers (<2 m) 2.8-4.6 days, 0-1 day lag; aquifer (>23 m), 1.0-3.5 days, 0 days lag; till (12 m), 116 days, 16 day lag; subsoil (8 m), 21 days, 2 day lag(6).

Phenol completely biodegraded in a test to determine its anaerobic biodegradation potential under methanogenic conditions(1). Gas production increased rapidly after a 6 day lag period(1). The laboratory test was performed at 35 °C in serum bottles using an anaerobic digester sludge inoculum in which total gas production was measured over at least a 60 day period(1). Sterile controls were used to correct for abiotic gas production(1). Another investigator obtained 100% degradation in 28 days with an 18 day lag; on redose, complete degradation was obtained in 10 days with no lag(2). In 14 days, 100, 91, and 99% mineralization of phenol was obtained on incubation with 3 digester sludges(3,4).

The measured rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of phenol with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals is 2.63X10-11 cu cm/molecule s at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of 14.6 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(SRC). Phenol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(2). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of phenol with nitrate radicals is 3.92X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 23 °C(3,4). This corresponds to a half-life of 12 minutes at a nitrate radical concn of 2.4X10+8 per cu cm (over continental areas)(SRC). The reaction with nitrate radicals is only important during the nighttime(SRC). In the presence of nitrogen oxides, 2-nitrophenol is formed in these reactions at a yield of 0.067 and 0.251 for the reaction with hydroxyl radicals and nitrate radicals, respectively(3).

The pKa of phenol is 9.99(1). Phenol will be partially dissociated at the upper end of environmental pH range (e.g. 1% of phenol will be dissociated at pH 8 and 10% at pH 9) and its reactivity may be pH dependent(SRC). Phenol does not absorb UV radiation >290 nm(6); therefore, in the absence of photosensitizers, phenol is not susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). The phenolate ion absorbs light more strongly and at longer wavelengths than phenol(7), and may be susceptible to direct photolysis(SRC). Phenol may undergo indirect photolysis in natural waters due to reaction with transients generated by the absorption of sunlight by, for example, dissolved natural organic matter; some of the oxidants that have been identified include hydroxyl radicals, peroxy radicals(4), singlet oxygen(2) and reactive excited triplet states(5). Typical half-lives for hydroxyl and peroxy radical reactions are on the order of 100 and 19.2 hrs of sunlight, respectively(4). The rate constant of phenolate ion and phenol with singlet oxygen are 1.55X10+08 L/mol-sec and 2.6X10+06, respectively(2). Assuming a near surface concn of singlet oxygen of 2X10-13 mol/l(3), the half-lives of the phenolate ion and undissociated phenol would respectively be 6.2 hr and 370 hr(SRC). Another investigator estimated the half-life for reaction of phenol with photochemically-produced singlet oxygen in surface waters contaminated by humic substances as 83 days (assuming Switzerland summer sunlight and singlet oxygen concn 4X10-14 mol/l)(8).

The rates of photolysis in summer (24 °C, midday surface irradiance 4.9 E/sq m-hr) and winter (10 °C, midday surface irradiance 2.9 E/sq m-hr) were determined in distilled water (0.016 M phosphate buffer and treated with 0.4% formaldehyde), poisoned estuarine water (treated with 0.4% formaldehyde), and estuarine waster, all at pH 7.7, using ring-UL-14C-labeled phenol in a flask suspended 3 cm below the surface of water in an outdoor tank of circulating estuarine water(3). The phototransformation half-lives in distilled, poisoned estuarine water, and estuarine water were 46, 43, and 39 hours in summer, respectively and 173, 118, and 94 hours in winter, respectively(3). The photomineralization (CO2 appearance) half-lives in distilled, poisoned estuarine water, and estuarine water were 16, 16, and 7 days in summer, respectively and 169, 110, and 73 days in winter, respectively(3). Microbial degradation was the primary removal process for phenol in both winter and summer (3). Riboflavin and other flavins and their more stable photodegradation products (i.e., lumichrome) are photosensitizers which may be present in sea water and lake water(2). Phenol is not susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight except at very high pH (>10); however, in the presence of riboflavin, phenol is rapidly decomposed in the pH range 5 to 9 with a light source (>290 nm)(1). In another experiment using light from a solar simulator, the pseudo first-order rate constants of lumichrome-sensitized photolysis of phenol was 2.2, 3.5, and 17.0 1/min at pH 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0, respectively(2).

Phenol has been reported to degrade in water-washed sterile silica sand at a rate which increases with increasing temperature and decreases with time(1). After 8 days, approximately 10, 15, and 85% of phenol was removed at 4, 26 and 60 °C, respectively(1). The loss could not be a result of volatilization or photolysis since the flasks were sealed and incubated in the dark(1). It was postulated that the loss was a result of a surface-catalyzed reaction or an oxidative process(1).

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.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U188, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Waste liquor containing 50,000 ppm was adjusted to give effluent containing 1 ppm then treated with activated sludge to give final effluent containing 0.07 ppm, 10% of which was recycled to conditioning tank.

Chemical Treatability of Phenol; Concentration Process: Reverse Osmosis; Chemical Classification: Phenol; Scale of Study: Batch Flow; Type of Wastewater Used: Pure; Results of Study: -5.7% reduction w/CA membrane; 76.5% reduction w/C-PE1 membrane.

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for PHENOL (12 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. /Phenol, molten; Phenol, solid; Phenol solution/

/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. 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. /Phenol, molten; Phenol, solid; Phenol solution/

/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. /Phenol, molten; Phenol, solid; Phenol solution/

/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. /Phenol, molten; Phenol, solid; Phenol solution/

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

1671 153(solid)

2312 153(molten)

2821 153(solution)

UN 1671; Phenol, solid

UN 2312; Phenol, molten

UN 2821; Phenol solutions

IMO 6.1; Phenol, solid, molten, solutions

49 212 20; Phenol, carbolic acid

49 212 10; Phenol, liquid, solution, carbolic acid, liquid (liquid tar acid containing over 50% phenol)

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.

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.

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

Symbol: T, C, Xn; R: 23/24/25-34-48/20/21/22-68; S: (1/2)-24/25-26-28-36/37/39-45

UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: II