Phenols are a group of chemical substances. Pure phenol is a colourless or white crystalline solid with a powerful sickly sweet antiseptic odour. Other members of the family include the chlorophenols, which tend to be far more toxic and persistent than non-chlorinated phenols.
Read more
Common name: Phenol
Use
Phenol is used for the manufacture of phenolic resins and synthetic fibres. It is also used as a slimicide (a chemical used to control the growth of bacteria and fungal slime) in industrial water systems. Chlorophenols are used as wood preservatives and disinfectants. Naturally occurring phenols account for the flavour and colour of certain foods.
Releases to the environment
Phenols may be released to the environment from processes in which they are manufactured or from the use of phenol-containing products for example at refineries. It is also found in vehicle emissions, and smoke from cigarettes and forest fire. Chlorophenols are formed during the combustion of chlorine-containing wastes. Phenols are widely distributed in nature, being produced naturally by plants, animals and humans.
Impacts on the environment and human health
Excessive exposure to phenols may cause genetic damage and health effects on the brain, digestive system, eye, heart, kidney, liver, lung, peripheral nerve, skin and the unborn child. Phenol is moderately toxic to aquatic animals. Chlorinated phenols are more toxic to aquatic life.
International actions
Phenols are listed as priority hazardous substance in of the EU Water Framework Directive and in the Basel Convention controlling the transboundary movements of hazardous wastes. Furthermore phenol is on the EU-Commissions EPER list and listed in the PRTR Protocol under the Århus Convention.
CAS NO: 108-95-2.