Phenols Information

Phenol
Other Names |
Carbolic Acid; Hydroxybenzene; Phenic Acid |
Chemical Formula |
C6H6O; C6H5OH |
CAS Number |
108 – 95 – 2 |
Industry Uses |
Antiseptic; Disinfectant; Pharmaceutical and Chemical Production |
Health Risks |
Irritant; Dermal Burns; Organ Damage; Death |
Phenol MSDS
What is Phenol?
Phenol is a common ingredient in disinfectants and antiseptics. It is also used to relieve itching and is found in some sore throat sprays. Phenol can be found in areas with high levels of motor traffic. It is produced largely from petroleum. It is used to synthesize plastics. It is a precursor to many polycarbonates, epoxies, detergents, herbicides, and nylon, as well as numerous pharmaceutical drugs including aspirin. In drinking water, phenol causes a foul taste and odor, especially upon chlorination. High phenol concentrations indicate contamination from industrial effluents or waste discharge. Phenol is toxic to aquatic life and has long lasting damaging effects.
Phenol Exposure and Health Risks
Phenol in solution is toxic by ingestion, absorption, and inhalation. It is a strong irritant to skin, causing severe burns or numbing, and to other bodily tissues. Organ damage to the liver and kidneys is possible with exposure. Prolonged or extreme exposure can be lethal. Phenol exposure has been liked to causing genetic defects.
Regulations
The table below summarizes the most-recent standards.
Limit/Level |
Type |
Organization |
6.3 ppm |
AEGL-1 (8 hrs) |
EPA |
12 ppm |
AEGL-2 (8 hrs) |
EPA |
Not Recommended |
AEGL-3 (8 hrs) |
EPA |
5 ppm |
TWA (8 hrs) - Skin |
OSHA |
5 ppm |
TWA (8 hrs) - Skin |
NIOSH |
15.6 ppm |
C (15 min) - Skin |
NIOSH |
Measuring Phenol
Dissolved Phenol concentration in water can be measured in units of parts per million (ppm). We carry instrumental kits from CHEMetrics that determine phenol levels in water. We carry kits that measure phenol levels ranging from 0-1 ppm to 0-13,000 ppm. All of our phenols products can be viewed HERE.
These Phenols Kits are designed to accurately measure phenols levels in water using the 4-Aminoantipyrine Method. | |
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![]() K8012D |
The K-8012D Phenols Kit is used to measure phenols levels from 0-30 ppm and 0-350 ppm. |
![]() K8012C |
The K-8012C Phenols Kit is used to measure phenols levels from 0-1000 ppm and 0-13,000 ppm. |
![]() K8012B |
The K-8012B Phenols Kit is used to measure phenols levels from 0-120 ppm and 0-1,400 ppm. |
![]() K8012A |
The K-8012A Phenols Kit is used to measure phenols levels from 0-60 ppm and 0-700 ppm. |
![]() K8012 |
The K-8012 Phenols CHEMets Kit is used to measure phenols levels from 0-1 ppm and 0-12 ppm. |
![]() K8023 |
The K-8023 Phenols Vacu-Vials Kit is used to measure phenols levels from 0-20 ppm. |
![]() K8003 |
The K-8003 Phenols Vacu-Vials Kit is used to measure phenols levels from 0-8 ppm. |
Contact us for help choosing the right product for your application