Common Name: Phenol CAS Number: 108-95-2 DOT Number: UN 1671/UN 2821 Date: September 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Phenol can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Exposure to Phenol could cause immediate collapse and death. * Because this is a MUTAGEN, handle it as a possible cancer causing substance with extreme caution. * It may severely burn the skin and eyes with permanent damage of the eyes. * Long term exposure may damage the liver and kidneys. * High exposure may cause poisoning with vomiting, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea, lack of appetite, headache, dizziness and fainting. IDENTIFICATION Phenol is a colorless to pink solid or thick liquid with a characteristic sweet tar like odor. It is used in making plywood, pharmaceuticals, plastics and rubber. REASON FOR CITATION * Phenol is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NIOSH and EPA. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a MUTAGEN. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from you employer. If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.15 mg/m3. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 19 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 20 mg/m3 averaged over a 10 hour workshift and 60 mg/m3, not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 19 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. * Phenol is a MUTAGEN and may have a cancer risk. Contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Phenol and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Phenol to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Phenol: * Significant skin contact or breathing of Phenol can lead to death within minutes. * Breathing the vapor can irritate the mouth, nose, and throat. * Contact can cause severe burns of the eyes, leading to permanent damage and severe skin burns. * Skin contact is not immediately painful, but deep damage to skin and even local gangrene can result. * High exposure may cause Phenol poisoning with vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, diarrhea, lack of appetite, headache, dizziness, and fainting. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Phenol and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Phenol causes MUTATIONS (genetic changes). Such chemicals may have a cancer risk * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a cancer causing agent. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Phenol has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * High or repeated exposure may damage the liver, kidneys, pancreas and heart muscle. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Phenol causes lung damage. * This chemical has not been adequately evaluated to determine whether brain or other nerve damage could occur with repeated exposure. However, many solvents and other petroleum based chemicals have been shown to cause such damage. Effects may include reduced memory and concentration, personality changes (withdrawal, irritability), fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced coordination, and/or effects on nerves supplying internal organs (autonomic nerves) and/or nerves to the arms and legs (weakness, "pins and needles"). MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater, or significant skin contact) the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Interview for brain effects, including recent memory, mood (irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline individuals should be referred for neuropsychological testing. * Liver and kidney function tests. * Urinary Phenol. These tests should be repeated if overexposure is suspected. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Phenol from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposure to Phenol #76 196. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Phenol should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Phenol. * Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be provided for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Phenol, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Phenol, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Phenol is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Phenol. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. * ACGIH recommends Neoprene or Butyl Rubber as good to excellent protective materials. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid or dust proof and face shield goggles when working with powders or dusts, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Phenol does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposures near or over 19 mg/m3 use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/canister and dust/mist prefilter. Increased protection is obtained from full facepiece powered air purifying respirators. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Phenol, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Where the potential for higher exposures exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters, to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Exposure to 385 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 385 mg/m3 exists use an MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Phenol you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Phenol must be stored to avoid contact with CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE and other STRONG OXIDIZERS such as CHLORINE and BROMINE, since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area away from HEAT. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Phenol is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Common Name: Phenol DOT Number: UN 1671/UN 2821 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 108-95-2 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 2 REACTIVITY - 0 ---------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE VAPORS PRODUCED WHEN HEATED POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Phenol is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Flammable vapors are produced when Phenol is heated. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE * Use water spray, dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol foam extinguishers. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Phenol is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Ventilate the area of spill or leak. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Phenol as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your State Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ====================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ======================================= FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention. Skin Contact * If concentrated Phenol gets on a large area of skin, immediately rush under shower, and with shower on full blast, remove all contaminated clothing. Begin scrubbing the contaminated area with soap for 10 minutes (water alone may be harmful.) Transport to emergency room. If Polyethyleneglycol 300 is available, continue to swab exposed area in cotton soaked in it. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be de layed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0.36 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 174oF (78.9oC) Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Phenol Other Names and Formulations: Carbolic Acid; Hydroxybenzene; Phenic Acid. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Phenol is a common component of oil refinery wastes. It is also produced in the conversion of coal into gaseous or liquid fuels and in the production of metallurgical coke from coal. It is produced in large volume and is mostly used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals. It may enter the environment from oil refinery discharges, coal conversion plants, municipal waste treatment plant discharges, or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Phenol has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Phenol can kill, and cause germination decreases in, various agricultral crop plants; it has high acute toxicity to birds. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of phenol to land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Phenol has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of phenol to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Phenol is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Phenol is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 26.3% of phenol will eventually end up inair; about 73.3% will end up in water; and about 0.2%, respectively, will end up in terrestrial soil and aquatic sediments. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living oranisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of phenol found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of phenol in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, Phytotox.