Phenol

Description

Phenol is a stable chemical substance and appear as colourless/white crystals with a characteristic, distinct aromatic/acrid odour. It is reactive and incompatible with strong oxidising agents, strong bases, strong acids, alkalis, and calcium hypochlorite. Phenol is flammable and may discolour in light. Phenol is used in the manufacture or production of explosives, fertiliser, coke, illuminating gas, lampblack, paints, paint removers, rubber, perfumes, asbestos goods, wood preservatives, synthetic resins, textiles, drugs, and pharmaceutical preparations. It is also extensively used as a disinfectant in the petroleum, leather, paper, soap, toy, tanning, dye, and agricultural industries.

The Uses of Phenol

phenol is frequently used for medical chemical face peels. It may trap free radicals and can act as a preservative. Phenol, however, is an extremely caustic chemical with a toxicity potential. It is considered undesirable for use in cosmetics. even at low concentrations, it frequently causes skin irritation, swelling, and rashes.

Background

Phenol is an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is active against a wide range of micro-organisms including some fungi and viruses, but is only slowly effective against spores. Phenol has been used to disinfect skin and to relieve itching. Phenol is also used as an oral analgesic or anesthetic in products such as Chloraseptic to treat pharyngitis. Additionally, phenol and its related compounds are used in surgical ingrown toenail treatment, a process termed phenolization. Research indicates that parental exposure to phenol and its related compounds are positively associated with spontaneous abortion. During the second world war, phenol injections were used as a means of execution by the Nazis. Phenol is a toxic compound whose vapours are corrosive to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

Indications

Phenol is primarily indicated for minor sore throat pain, sore mouth, minor mouth irritation, and pain associated with canker sores. Additionally, phenol is indicated in the treatment of focal spasticity.

Metabolism

Phenyl sulfate, phenyl glucuronide, quinol sulfate, and quinol glucuronide were detected in human beings as phenol metabolites.

Absorption

Phenol is rapidly absorbed through the skin and into the lungs.

Health hazards

Phenol and its vapors are corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. The corrosive effect on skin and mucous membranes is due to a protein-degenerating effect. Repeated or prolonged skin contact with phenol may cause dermatitis, and potentially second and third-degree burns. Inhalation of phenol vapor may cause lung edema. Phenol may adversely effect the central nervous system and heart. Long-term, or repeated exposure, to phenol may have harmful effects on the liver and kidneys.

Toxicity

Mouse, Subcutaneous, LD50: 0.3-0.35 g/kg. (Duplay and Cazin, 1891; Tollens, 1905).Rat, Subcutaneous, LD50: 0.45. (Deichmann and Witherup, 1944).Rat, Oral, LD50: 0.53. (Deichmann and Witherup, 1944).Rat, Oral, LD50: 0.65. (Flickinger, 1976).Rat, Cutaneous, LD50: 0.67. (Conning and Hayes, 1970).