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IPCS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY

OD 341 .P5 94Ph c.2

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Health and Safety Guide No. 88

PHENOL HEALTH AND SAFETY

GUIDE

UNITED NATIONS ENVffiONMENTPROG~E

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GENEVA 1994

'

1

I) 1\ '

~Ii>cs

Other HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDES available: (continued on inside back cover)

Acrolein (No . 67, 1992) Acrylamide (No. 45 , 1991) Acrylonitrile (No . I, 1986) Aldicarb (No. 64, 1991) Aldrin and dieldrin (No. 21 , 1988) Allethrins (No . 24, 1989) Amitrole (No. 85 , 1994) Ammonia (No. 37, 1990) Arsenic compounds, inorganic, other than arsine (No. 70, 1992)

Atrazine (No. 47, 1990) Barium (No. 46 , 1991) Benomyl (No. 81, 1993) Bentazone (No. 48, 1990) Beryllium (No. 44, 1990) !-Butanol (No . 3, 1987) 2-Butanol (No. 4, 1987) ten-Butanol (No. 7, 1987) Camphechlor (No. 40, 1990) Captafol (No . 49 , 1990) Captan (No . 50, 1990) Carbaryl (No. 78, 1993) Carbendazim (No. 82, 1993) Chlordane (No. 13 , 1988) Chlordecone (No. 41, 1990) Chloroform (No . 87, 1994) Cyhalothrin and lambda-cyhalothrin (No. 38,

1990) Cypermethrin (No. 22, 1988) Deltamethrin (No . 30, 1989) I ,2-Dichloroethane (No . 55,;i991) I ,3-Dichloropropene, I ,2-dichloropropane, and mixtures of I ,3-dichloroprppeile and . I ,2-dichloropropane (No . 76 , 1992) ·

2,4-Dichlorphenoxyacetic a-cid (2 ,4-D) (No. 5, 1987)

Dichlorvos (No. 18, 1988) Dimethoate (No. 20, 1988) Dimethyl sulfate (No. 29, 1989) Dimethylarsinic acid , methanearsonic acid , and salts (No. 69, 1992)

Dimethylformamide (No. 43, 1990) Diquat (No. 52, 1991) Endosulfan (No . 17, 1988)

Endrin (No . 60, 1991) Epichlorohydrin (No . 8, 1987) Ethylene oxide (No . 16, 1988) Fenitrothion (No. 65, 1991) Fenvalerate (No. 34, 1989) Folpet (No. 72, 1992) Formaldehyde (No . 57, 1991) Heptachlor (No. 14, 1988) Hexachlorobutadiene (No. 84, 1993) Hexachlorocyclohexanes, alpha- and beta- (No. 53, 1991)

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene (No. 63 , 1991) n-Hexane (No . 59, 1991) Hydrazine (No. 56, 1991) Isobenzan (No . 61 , 1991) Isobutanol (No . 9, 1987) Kelevan (No. 2, 1987) Lindane (No. 54 , 1991) Magnetic fields (No. 27, 1990) Methamidophos (No. 79, 1993) Methyl bromide (Bromomethane) (No. 86, 1994) Methyl isobutyl ketone (No. 58, 1991) Methyl parathion (No . 75, 1992) Methylene chloride (No. 6, 1987) Mirex (No . 39 , 1990) Monocrotophos (No . 80, 1993) Nickel , nickel carbonyl, and some nickel compounds (No. 62, 1991)

Paraquat (No. 51, 1991) I>arathion (No. 74, 1992) Pehtachlorophenol (No . 19, 1988) Peimf!thrin (No. 33 , 1989) d-Phtmothrin (No. 3 2, 1989) Phosphine (No. 28, 1989) Phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride (No. 35 , 1989)

Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) (No. 83, 1993) Polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCBs and PCTs) (No. 68 , 1992)

Propachlor (No. 77, 1992) Propylene oxide (No . 15 , 1988) Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (No . 26, 1988) Quintozene (No . 23, 1988) Resmethrins (No. 25, 1989)

IPCS

Health and Safety Guide No. 88

PHENOL I r I

HEALTH AND SAFETY

GUIDE

This is a companion volume to Environmental Health Criteria 161: Phenol

Published by the World Health Organization for the International Programme on Chemical Safety (a collaborative programme of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation,

and the World Health Organization)

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GENEVA 1994

This report contains the collective views of an international group of experts and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation, or the World Health Organization

WHO Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

Phenol : health and safety guide.

(Health and safety guide ; no. 88)

l.Phenols- standards 2.Environmental exposure I. Series

ISBN 92 4 151088 9 ISSN 0259-7268

(NLM Classification: QD 34l.P5)

The World Health Organization welcomes requests for permission to reproduce or translate its publications, in part or in full. Applications and enquiries should be addressed to the Office of Publications. World Health Organization, Geneva. Switzerland, which will be glad to provide the latest information on any changes made to the text, plans for new editions, and reprints and translations already available.

I!> World Health Organization 1994

Publications of the World Health Organization enjoy copyright protection in accordance with the provisions of Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. All rights reserved.

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers' products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted. the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.

The Federal Mtmster for the Environment. Nature ConservatiOn and Nuclear Safety (Fed Rep Germany) provtded financtal support for, and undertook the pnntmg of, thts pubhcatton.

Computer typc;cttmg by HEADS, Oxford OX8 8NY, England Printed by Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH · D-70009 Stuttgart 10

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES Identity 1.1

1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5

Physical and chemical properties Composition . . . . Analysis Production and uses

2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION Exposure Environmental fate

Kinetics and metabolism

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Effects on organisms in the environment 2.5 Effects on experimental animals and

in vitro test systems

2.6 Effects on humans

3. CONCLUSIONS 3.1 Human health

3.2 Environment .

4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION .

4.1 Human health hazards, prevention and protection, first aid

4.2 Advice to physicians . . . 4.3 Health surveillance advice .

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Page

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7 7

7 8

8 8

9

9

9

9

10

10 11

12 12 13

14

14

14 14

CONTENTS

4.4 Explosion and fire hazards 4.401 Explosion and fire hazards 40402 Prevention 0 0 0 0 0 4o4o3 Fire-extinguishing agents

405 Storage 406 Transport 40 7 Spillage and disposal

4 0 7 0 1 Spillage 4 0 7 0 2 Disposal (based on the IRPTC waste disposal

Page

15 15 15 15 15 15 18 18

file) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18

50 HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR

PREVENTION 19

60 SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION 21

7 0 CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS 25 7 01 Exposure limit values 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 702 Specific restnctions 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 703 Labelling, packaging, and transport 7 .4 Waste disposal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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25 28 29

31

INTRODUCTION

The Environmental Health Criteria (EHC) monographs produced by the International Programme on Chemical Safety include an assessment of the effects on the environment and on human health of exposure to a chemical or combination of chemicals, or physical or biological agents. They also provide guidelines for setting exposure limits.

The purpose of a Health and Safety Guide is to facilitate the application of these guidelines in national chemical safety programmes. The first three sections of a Health and Safety Guide highlight the relevant technical information in the corresponding EHC. Section 4 includes advice on preventive and protective measures and emergency action; health workers should be thoroughly familiar with the medical information to ensure that they can act efficiently in an emergency. Within the Guide is a Summary of Chemical Safety Information which should be readily available, and should be clearly explained, to all who could come into contact with the chemical. The section on regulatory information has been extracted from the legal file of the International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) and from other United Nations sources.

The target readership includes occupational health services, those in ministries, governmental agencies, industry, and trade unions who are involved in the safe use of chemicals and the avoidance of environmental health hazards, and those wanting more information on this topic. An attempt has been made to use only terms that will be familiar to the intended user. However, sections 1 and 2 inevitably contain some technical terms. A bibliography has been included for readers who require further background information.

Revision of the information in this Guide will take place in due course, and the eventual aim is to use standardized terminology. Comments on any difficulties encountered in using the Guide would be very helpful and should be addressed to:

The Director International Programme on Chemical Safety

World Health Organization 1211 Geneva 27

Switzerland

5

THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A

STARTING POINT TO A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMME

~-~--~- ------ -- ------------------

6

1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES

1.1 Identity

Chemical formula:

Chemical structure:

Common synonyms:

Common trade names:

CAS registry number:

RTECS registry number:

UN number:

Conversion factors:

acidum carbolicum, acidum phenolicum, acidum phenylicum, benzophenol, benzene phenol, carbolic acid, hydroxybenzene, monohydroxybenzene, oxybenzene, phenic acid, phenyl hydrate, phenyl hydroxide, phenylic acid, phenylic alcohol

Baker's P and S liquid ointment, Venzenol

108-95-2

SJ 3325000 (solid)

UN 1671

1 ppm of phenol = 3.85 mg/m3 air, and 1 mg of phenol!m3 air = 0.26 ppm at 20 °C and 101.3 kPa (760 mmHg)

1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties

Phenol is a solid at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure consisting of white crystals that turn pink or red when exposed to air and light. It has a burning taste and a distinctive odour. The compound has limited solubility in water (6. 7 g/100 ml) and is soluble in most organic solvents. The melting point of 43 °C is lowered by the addition of water to

7

PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES

the extent that a 90% mixture of phenol in water (phenolum liquefactum) is liquid at room temperature.

Chemically, the compound is a weak acid. The pH of aqueous solutions is about 6.0. It reacts readily with oxidizing agents.

1.3 Composition

The commercially available synthetic crystalline product is at least 98% pure. Commercial grades of phenol obtained from the distillation of coal tar consist of 80% or more phenol, the remaining constituents being water and cresol.

1.4 Analysis

The substance can be detected and determined quantitatively by gas chromatography in combination with flame ionization/electron capture detection or by high-performance liquid chromatography in combination with UV detection. Detection limits are 0.1 p.g/m3 in air, and 0.5 p.g/litre m urme.

1.5 Production and Uses

The total industrial world production of phenol in 1981 was estimated at 3375 kilotonnes, which was approximately 60% of the total capacity.

Phenol is mainly used for the manufacture of phenolic resins, bisphenol A, and caprolactam. Other products are alkylphenols, xylenol, cresol, and adipic acid. Minor uses include the production of germicidal paints, pharmaceutical products, dyes, and indicators, and the use of phenols as a laboratory reagent, a slimicide, and a general disinfectant.

8

2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION

2.1 Exposure

Potential sources of phenol exposure include: the production and use of phenol and its products, residential wood burning, cigarette smoke, the degradation of benzene under the influence of light, and the presence of phenol in liquid manure.

Background atmospheric levels are estimated to be less than 1 ng/m3,

urban/suburban atmospheric levels vary from 0.1 to 8 Jlg/m3, while

concentrations near industry may be up to two orders of magnitude higher. Increased phenol has been reported in sediments and groundwaters associated with industrial pollution. Cigarette smoke and smoked food products are the most important sources of phenol exposure, apart from exposure via air.

Occupational exposures generally do not exceed 19 mg/m3.

2.2 Environmental Fate

The major part of phenol in the atmosphere is degraded by photochemical reactions to dihydroxybenzenes, nitrophenols, and ring cleavage products. A minor part will be removed by rain.

Phenol in water and soil is degraded by abiotic reactions and microbial activity to a number of compounds, the most important of which are carbon dioxide and methane.

2.3 Kinetics and Metabolism

Phenol is readily absorbed from any media; it is rapidly distributed to all tissues. The liver, the lung, and the gastrointestinal mucosa are the most important sites of phenol metabolism. It mainly conjugates with glucuronic acid and sulfuric acid. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated covalent binding to tissue and plasma proteins. Urinary excretion is the major route of phenol disposal in animals and humans. A minor part is eliminated in the faeces and expired air.

9

SUMMARY AND EVALUATION

2.4 Effects on Organisms in the Envirorunent

A toxicity threshold of 64 mg phenol/litre was found for bacteria. Values for protozoa and fungi are of the same order of magnitude, however, the values for algae are somewhat lower.

Phenol is toxic for higher freshwater organisms. The lowest LCso or ECso values for crustaceans and fish are between 3 and 7 mg/litre. On the basis of long-term studies on crustacea and fish, a significant difference in sensitivity was found: the LC1 values from embryolarval tests on Salmo and Carassius were much lower (0.2 and 2 J.t.g/litre, respectively) than the corresponding values for other fish species and amphibia.

The bioconcentration factors of phenol in various types of water organisms are low; the compound is therefore not expected to bioaccumulate significantly.

Data concerning the effects of phenol on terrestrial organisms are scarce. A 120-h ECso for millet was 120-170 mg/litre.

2.5 Effects on Animals and in vitro Test Systems

Phenol is moderately toxic for mammals. The oral LDso in rodents ranged from 300 to 600 mg/kg body weight, while the dermal LDso for rats and rabbits ranged from 670 to 1400 mglkg body weight, and the 8-h LCso for rats was more than 900 mg/m3

. Clinical symptoms after short-term exposure are neuromuscular hyperexcitability, necrosis of the skin and mucous membranes, and effects on the lungs, kidneys, and liver.

In short-term animal studies, toxic effects in the rat kidney have been reported at oral dose levels of 40 mg or more/kg body weight per day. In a limited 14-day study on rats, an oral no-observed- adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 12 mg/kg body weight per day was found on the basis of kidney effects. In two multiple dose reproductive toxicity studies on rats, NOAELs of 40 mglkg body weight per day and 60 mglkg body weight per day, respectively, were found.

A majority of bacterial tests gave negative results. Phenol had no effects on intercellular communication in cultured mammalian cells. No micro­nuclei were observed in mice studies at low doses. However, mutations, chromosome damage, and DNA effects were observed in mammalian cells in vitro, as was induction of micronuclei in bone marrow cells of mice.

10

SUMMARY AND EVALUATION

In two carcinogenicity studies in which phenol was administered to male and female rats and mice in the drinking-water, malignancies were seen only in low-dose male rats. Two-stage carcinogenicity studies showed that phenol repeatedly applied to mouse skin had promoting activity.

Solutions of phenol are corrosive to the skin and eyes, while phenol vapour can irritate the respiratory tract. Phenol is not a skin sensitizer.

2.6 Effects on Humans

Gastrointestinal irritation was reported following ingestion of phenol. Painless blanching, or effects ranging from erythema to corrosion and deep necrosis, occurred following dermal exposure. Main systemic effects included cardiac dysrhythmias, respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis, renal failure, dark urine, methaemoglobinaemia, neurological effects, cardiovascular shock, coma, and death. The lowest reported fatal dose was 4.8 g by ingestion; death occurred within 19 min.

Symptoms associated with inhalation of phenol included anorexia, weight loss, headache, vertigo, salivation, acidosis, and dark urine. No cases of death following this type of exposure have been reported.

The odour threshold has been reported to range from 0.021 to 20 mg/m3

in air, while the threshold for odour in water has been reported to be 7.9 mg/litre. A taste threshold value of 0.3 mg/litre water has been suggested.

11

3. CONCLUSIONS

3.1 Human Health

Exposure of the general population to phenol mainly occurs by inhalation. Minor oral exposure may arise through the con­sumption of smoked food or drinking-water.

The exposure data are inadequate to determine the extent of exposure of the general population. However, an upper estimate of the daily intake can be made on the basis of the "worst case scenario", assuming that an individual would have maximum exposure to phenol through continuous inhalation of heavily contaminated air with frequent consumption of smoked food and regular consumption of drinking-water containing phenol levels up to the taste threshold. On the basis of these assumptions, the estimated maximum total daily intake of phenol, for a 70-kg individual, is 100 ,ug/kg body weight per day.

The NOAELs, identified in rat studies for kidney and developmental effects, are in the range of 12-40 mg/kg body weight per day. Using an uncertainty factor of 200, a range of 60-200 ,ug/kg body weight per day is recommended as the upper limit of total human daily intake. Taking into account that the "worst case scenario" estimate is 100 ,ug/kg body weight per day, it is concluded that the average general population exposure to phenol from all sources is below this range. However, the available data suggest that phenol may be genotoxic and there are insufficient data to discount its possible carcinogenicity.

12

CONCLUSIONS

3.2 Environment

Phenol is not expected to bioaccumulate significantly. It is toxic for aquatic organisms, and an environmental concern level of 0.02 ~-tg/litre is suggested for water. Adequate data on plants and terrestrial organisms are lacking.

Intercompartmental transport of phenol mainly occurs by wet deposition and by leaching through soil. Generally, the com­pound is not likely to persist in the environment. Because exposure data are scarce, firm conclusions cannot be drawn with regard to the extent of the risk for either aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems. However, in view of the derived environmental concern level for water, it is reasonable to assume that aquatic organisms may be at risk in any surface or sea waters that are contaminated with phenol.

13

4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION

4.1 Human Health Hazards, Prevention and Protection, First Aid

The human health hazards associated with certain types of exposure to phenol, together with preventive and protective measures and first aid recommendations are listed in the table on pages 16-17 and in the Summary of Chemical Safety Information on pages 22-24.

4.2 Advice to Physicians

Phenol intoxication can be recognized by the characteristic odour of the compound in the breath. The compound can be detected in the urine, which is dark-coloured (green to black). The compound is corrosive to mucous membranes, eyes, and skin.

No specific antidote is known. Treat symptomatically.

Recommended gastric lavage fluids are water, following administration of activated charcoal, or vegetable oils, such as olive oil, castor oil, or cottonseed oil.

Watch for signs of pulmonary oedema, which may develop rapidly. Treat shock conservatively, because of uncertain cardiac and renal status. Only severe circulatory collapse demands infusions. The acid-base balance should be investigated to detect possible metabolic acidosis.

In case of skin treatment, the physician should protect his skin from contamination. Contaminated skin, washed with large quantities of water, may be further cleaned with a 70:30 mixture of polyethylene glycol and ethanol.

4.3 Health Surveillance Advice

Individuals, potentially exposed to phenol, should undergo periodic medical examination with emphasis on effects on the skin, respiratory tract, central nervous system, liver, and kidneys. They should also be checked for their ability to use respirators.

14

HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION

4.4 Explosion and Fire Hazards

4.4.1 Explosion and .fire hazards

Above 73 °C, vapour-air mixtures may be formed that can be ignited by open fires, sparks, or glowing surfaces. The autoignition temperature is 715 °C.

The compound reacts moderately fast with oxidizing agents and violently with butadiene, peroxydisulfuric acid, peroxymonosulfuric acid, and aluminium chloride + nitrobenzene.

Phenol and its solutions are flammable. The compound emits toxic fumes when heated or when burning. Heating of phenol or its solution in water in containers will cause a pressure rise with risk of bursting.

4.4.2 Prevention

Above 73 °C, use closed apparatus and apply ventilation. Do not use the compound near sources of ignition.

In case of fire, keep containers with molten or aqueous phenol cool by spraying with water. If possible, prevent extinguishing agents from running into sewers. Fire-fighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus.

4.4.3 Fire-extinguishing agents

Alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, water spray, halons.

4.5 Storage

Phenol should be stored separately from food, oxidants, and other incompatible substances (section 4.4.1) in an adequately ventilated, dry, dark, fire-proof, and well-labelled room. Storage tanks should be elec­trically grounded and bonded to transfer lines. The containers must be labelled, tightly closed, and kept in good condition.

4.6 Transport

In case of accidents, stop the engine. Remove all sources of ignition. Keep bystanders at a distance and mark the roads. Keep upwind. When

15

....... 0'1

HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION

HEALTH HAZARDS

SINGLE EXPOSURE

SKIN: blanching, burning sensation followed by numbness; corrosion (burn and gangrene); may enter body fast through skin and cause systemic effects (see ingestion)

EYES: irritation by vapour; irritation or corrosion by liquid

INHALATION: inflammation and oedema in respiratory system; central nervous system depression (see ingestion)

PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID

Avoid exposure; wear clean protective clothing, gloves (neoprene, rubber), and shoes; provide emergency shower

Wear safety goggles and/or a face­shield; provide eye-wash

Avoid exposure; apply ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection using a suitable respirator

Remove contaminated clothing and shoes instantly; wash with plenty of water for at least 15 min and then with a mixture of 70:30 polyethylene glycol and ethanol

Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 min

Remove victim to fresh air and keep quiet; if breathing has stopped, apply artificial respiration

--.]

INGESTION: irritation, corrosion or of mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract; nervous system depression with respiratory problems; pulmonary oedema; renal insufficiency

REPEATED EXPOSURE

SKIN: dermatitis; may enter body and cause systemic effects (see ingestion)

INGESTION AND INHALATION: liver and kidney damage; central nervous system disturbances

Do not eat, drink, chew, or smoke when working with phenol; do not keep food in areas with potential

Wear clean, impervious, protective clothing, gloves (neoprene, poly­ethylene, rubber), and shoes

Apply ventilation and local exhaust

Rinse mouth; give large quantities of water to drink; do NOT induce vomiting

HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION

transporting molten phenol or a solution of phenol, put on protective equipment before entering the danger area. In case of spillage or fire, use the methods advised in sections 4.7 and 4.4, respectively. Notify the police and fire brigade immediately. In the case of poisoning, follow the advice in sections 4.1 and 4.2.

4. 7 Spillage and Disposal

4. 7.1 Spillage

Remove all ignition sources and evacuate the area. Ventilate 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.

4. 7.2 Disposal (based on the IRPTC waste disposal file)

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.

18

5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION

Generally, phenol is not likely to persist in air, sea or surface water, soil, or sewage. Phenol readily reacts photochemically and is rapidly biodegraded aerobically. Anaerobic degradation to carbon dioxide or methane also occurs. It is not expected to bioaccumulate significantly.

Phenol is toxic for aquatic organisms and these may be at risk in any surface or sea water contaminated with phenol.

Contamination of soil, water, and the atmosphere can be avoided by proper methods of storage, transport, and waste disposal, recommended in sections 4.5, 4.6, 4. 7.2 and 7 .4. In case of spillage, apply the methods recommended in section 4.7.1.

19

20

6. SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION

This summary should be easily available to all health workers concerned with, and users of, phenol. It should be displayed at, or near, entrances to areas where there is potential exposure to phenol, and on processing equipment and containers. 171e summary should be translated into the appropriate language(s). All persons potentially exposed to the chemical should aLw have the instructions in the summary clearly explained. Space is available for insertion of the National Occupational Exposure Limit, the address and telephone number of the National Poison Control Centre, mul local trade names.

21

N N

SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Relative molecular mass Melting point ~C) Boiling point ~C) Water solubility (g/litre) Specific density (25 °C) Relative vapour density Vapour pressure (kPa) (20 °C) Ignition temperature ~C) Flash point (closed cup) ~C) Flammability (explosive)

limits (vol. %)

PHENOL

Molecular formula: C6H60 CAS registry number: 108-95-2

RTECS registry number: SJ 3325000 (solid)

94.11 40.9 181.75 67 1.071 3.24 0.04 (0.357 mmHg) 715 80

1.3-9.5

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

White crystalline solid turning pink or red when exposed to air and light; burning taste and distinctive odour; the compound reacts moderately fast with oxidizing agents and violently with butadiene, peroxydisulfuric acid, peroxymono­sulfuric acid, and aluminium chloride + nitro­benzene; when heated or burning the compound emits toxic fumes; the compound is extremely destructive to mucous membranes, skin, and eyes and may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin

N w

HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS

SKIN: blanching, burning sensation followed by numbness; corrosion with burns and gangrene; may enter body through skin (see ingestion)

PREVENTION AND PROTECTION

Wear clean protective impervious clothing, gloves (neoprene, rubber polyethylene), and shoes

EYES: irritation or corrosion; redness; Wear safety goggles and/or face blurred vision; burning sensation shield

INHALATION: inflammation and oedema in nose, throat, and respira­tory tract; breathing difficulties and a burning sensation; central nervous system depression (see ingestion)

INGESTION: irritation, corrosion of mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract; burning sensation; abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; central nervous system depression; headache, dizziness; coma; breathing difficulties; pulmonary oedema

Apply ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection using a suitable respirator

Do not eat, drink, chew, or smoke during work; do not keep food in areas with potential exposure; keep out of reach of children

FIRST AID

Remove contaminated clothing and shoes instantly; wash with plenty of water for at least 15 min; obtain medical attention immediately

Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 min; obtain medical attention

Remove victim to fresh air and keep quiet; if breathing has stopped, apply artificial respiration; obtain medical attention immediately

Rinse mouth; give large quantities of water to drink; do NOT induce vomiting; obtain medical attention immediately

N ~

SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION (continued)

HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID

ENVIRONMENT: may present a risk Contamination of water can be avoided In the case of spillage, cover solid phenol for aquatic organisms by proper methods of storage, with dry lime or soda ash; phenol solution

transport, and disposal should be covered with earth or sand

SPILLAGE STORAGE FIRE AND EXPLOSION

Remove ignition sources; evacuate and Store in a ventilated, dry, dark, fire- Phenol (solution) is flammable; air-ventilate·'the area; cover solid phenol proof, well-labelled room away from vapour mixtures may be explosive; keep with dry lime or soda ash; contain foodstuffs, oxidants, and other away sources of ignition; above 79 °C use molten ·phenol or a solution of phenol incompatible substances; containers closed apparatus and apply ventilation; in with sand or earth and prevent run-off must be labelled, tightly closed, and case of fire, keep containers cool by into sewers, water courses, or soil; kept in good condition; storage tanks spraying with water; fire-extinguishers ensure personal protection must be electrically grounded are carbon dioxide, alcohol foam, dry

chemical powder, water spray, and halons

WASTE DISPOSAL

Dissolve or mix the material with a National occupational exposure UN 1671 combustible solvent and burn in an limit: approved chemical incinerator

National Poison Control Centre:

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7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS

The information given in this section has been extracted from the International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) legal file. A full reference to the original national document from which the infor­mation was extracted can be obtained from IRPTC. When no effective data appear in the IRPTC legal file, the year of the reference from which the data are taken is indicated by (r).

The reader should be aware that regulatory decisions about chemicals taken in a certain country can only be fully understood in the framework of the legislation of that country. Furthermore, the regulations and guidelines of all countries are subject to change and should always be verified with the appropriate regulatory authorities before application.

7.1 Exposure Limit Values

Some exposure limit values are shown in the table on pages 26-27.

7.2 Specific Restrictions

The European Community legislation stipulates that phenol and its alkali salts must not be contained in cosmetic products, except when subject to certain restrictions and conditions laid down. Member States prohibit the marketing of cosmetic products containing these substances beyond the limits and outside the conditions laid down (effective date: 1983).

In the former Czechoslovakia, the use of phenol in cosmetics was also restricted (effective date:l97l).

In the USA, the substance is exempted from tolerance requirements in plant and animal products, when used according to good agricultural practice as an inert (or occasionally active) ingredient of a pesticide applied for some specified purpose (effective date: 1981 (r)). The substance may be used as a component of adhesives in articles intended for use in the packaging, transporting, or holding of food (for use as preservative only) (effective date: 1981 (r)).

25

-..)

"

CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS

Exposure limit values

Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit descriptiona Value organization

AIR Occupational Australia Threshold limit value (TW A) 19 mg/m3• b

Germany, Federal Maximum worksite concentration (TW A) 19 mg/m3• b

Republic of Short-term exposure limit (5-min) 38 mg/m3' c

Hungary Maximum allowable concentration (TW A) 5 mg/m3

Short-term exposure limit (30-min) 10 mg/m3

Japan Maximum allowable concentration (TW A) 19 mg/m3• b

Sweden Highest limit value (TW A) 4 mg/m3 b

Short-term exposure limit (15-min TW A) 8 mg/m3

USA (OSHA) Permissible exposure level (TW A) 19 mg/m3• b

USA (ACGIH) Threshold limit value (TW A) 19 mg/m3• b

Short-term exposure limit (TW A) 38 mg/m3

USSR Ceiling value 0.3 mg/m3

AIR Ambient Czechoslovakia Maximum allowable concentration d

average per day 0.01 mg/m3

average per 0.5 h 0.01 mg/m3

USSR Maximum allowable concentration average per day 0.003 mg/m3

once per day 0.01 mg/m3

Effective date

1983 (r) 1985 (r) 1985 (r) 1978 (r) 1978 (r) 1981 (r) 1985 1985 1974 1984 (r) 1984 (r) 1977

1981 1981

1984 1984

WATER Drinking- EEC Maximum allowable concentration e 0.5 mg/litre I982 WHO Maximum permissible concentrationd 2 mg/litre I97I (r)

Highest desirable concentrationd 1 mg/litre I97I (r)

WATER Surface USSR Maximum allowable concentration I mg/litre I978

WATER Coastal Mexico Maximum permissible concentrationd 10 mg/litre I973

WATER Estuarine Mexico Maximum permissible concentrationd I 00 mg/litre I973

WATER Effluent Japan Maximum permissible concentration d 5000 mg/litre I98I (r)

N -...l I a TW A = time-weighted average over one working day (usually 8 h).

b Skin absorption. c Ceiling value, 8 times per shift.

d Applies to phenol and its compounds. e Guideline limit: applies to phenols. excluding natural phenols which do not react to chlorine.

CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS

7.3 Labelling, Packaging, and Transport

The European Community legislation requires labelling of phenol as a dangerous substance using the symbol:

T

Toxic

The label must bear a symbol and read (effective date: 1976 (r)):

Toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed; causes burns; keep locked up and out of reach of children; after contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of .fluids to be specified by the manufacturer; in case of accident, or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label where possible).

Member States should also ensure that dangerous preparations are not placed on the market unless their packages and fastenings and labels comply with the requirements laid down (effective date: 1984).

The United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods and the International Maritime Organization classify phenol (solid, molten, solutions) as a poisonous substance (Class 6.1) and a substance with medium danger for packing purposes (Packing Group 11). Packing methods and labels are recommended (effective dates: 1982 (r) and 1977 (r), respectively).

28

CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS

The recommended label is: ... , ' ,~/ ',

" ' / ·.· ' , ' , ' , ' •, )

' , ' , ' / ' " ' * ,

' " ' , V

Division 6.1

Poisonous (toxic) substances Packing Groups: I and II

Symbol (skull and crossbones): black1 Background: white

In Japan, phenol is designated as deleterious by law. Preparations of phenol are also to be considered as deleterious, except when the concentration is below 5%.

7.4 Waste Disposal

In Germany, the air emissions of organic compounds in Class I, which include phenol, must not exceed (as the sum of all compounds in this class) a mass concentration of 20 mg/m3 at a mass flow of more than 0.1 kg/h. If compounds of different classes are present, the mass concentration must not exceed 30 mg/m3 (effective date: 1979 (r)).

In the USA, any solid waste (except domestic) that contains phenol must be listed as hazardous waste, subject to handling, transport, treatment, storage, and disposal requirements, unless it is found that waste cannot pose a threat to human health or the environment, when improperly managed (effective date: 1980). This also applies to phenol and phenolic compounds in certain specified industrial solid wastes (effective date: 1981 (r)). If phenol is a commercial chemical product, it is identified as "toxic waste", subject to handling, transport, treatment, storage, and disposal regulations and permit and notification requirements (effective date: 1980). An owner or operator of certain specified types of hazardous waste storage, treatment, or disposal facilities must install a groundwater monitoring system and periodically report on the concentrations of this substance (applies to all phenols) (effective date: 1980). An owner or operator of a hazardous waste

29

CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS

incinerator must achieve 99.99% destruction and removal efficiency for the substance, if it is designated as a principal organic hazardous constituent in its EPA permit (effective date: 1981).

In the USA, the substance, including any isomers, hydrates, and solutions and mixtures containing the substances, is designated as a hazardous substance for the purposes of discharge under the water pollution control act. Permits are required for discharge of total phenols from any point source into USA waters (effective date: 1980). EPA is required to set, or has set effluent limitations and pretreatment standards for 21 major industries regarding phenol (effective date: 1981 (r)).

30

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ACGIH (1986)Documentation of the threshold limit values and biological exposure indices. Cincinnati, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

ACGIH (1989) Threshold limit values and biological exposure indices for 1989-1990. Cincinnatti, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

CLAYTON, G.D. & CLAYTON, F.E. (1981) Patty's industrial hygiene and toxicology. Vol. 28B. New York, John Wiley & Sons.

DUTCH CHEMICAL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (1989) Handling chemicals safely. 2nd ed. Dutch Association of Safety Experts, Dutch Chemical Industry Association, Dutch Safety Institute.

GOSSELIN, R.E., HODGE, H.C., SMITH, R.P.,& GLEASON, M.N. (1984) Clinical toxicology of commercial products, 5th ed. Baltimore, Maryland, The Williams and Wilkins Company.

KATZ, M. (1977) Methods of air sampling and analysis, 2nd ed. Washington, USA, American Public Health Association.

SAX, N.l. (1984) Dangerous properties of industrial materials. New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.

US NIOSH (1976) A guide to industrial respiratory protection. 3 vol. Cincinnatti, Ohio, US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

US NIOSH/OSHA (1981) Occupational health guidelines for chemical hazards. 3 vol. Washington, DC, US Department of Health and Human Services, US Department of Labor (Publication No. DHHS(NIOSH) 01-123).

31

32

IPCS

Other HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDES available: (continued from inaide front cover)

Rotenone (No.73, 1992) Tecnazene (No. 12, 1988) Tetradifon (No. 11, 1987) Tetramethrin (No. 31, 1989) Trichlorfon (No. 66, 1991) Trimellitic anhydride (No. 71, 1992) Vanadium (No. 42, 1990) Vinylidene chloride (No. 36, 1989)

Price: Sw. fr. 5.- ISBN 92 4 151088 9 Price in developing countries: Sw. fr. 3.50