Occupational and Community Exposure Risks to Phenol and Other Chemicals

Phenol is described by the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) as both a manufactured chemical and a natural substance that is a solid when pure, but the commercial product is typically in liquid form. Millions of tons of phenol are produced each year across the globe and due to its commercial importance, it is utilized in many industries.
 
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that it is used for medicine as a slimicide, antiseptic and disinfectant. It is also used to manufacture a number of products. Some examples of workers at possible risk of being exposed to phenol include:

• Workers in the petroleum industry
• Workers in plants where nylon is manufactured
• Workers in plants that manufacture epoxy resins
• Workers in plants that manufacture herbicides

 
Exposure to phenol may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, throat and nervous system. Some symptoms of exposure to phenol are weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, muscle aches and pain. Severe exposure can cause liver and/or kidney damage, skin burns, tremor, convulsions and twitching. NIOSH states that workers may be harmed from exposure to phenol with the level of harm depending upon the dose, duration and work being done. Routes of exposure may include inhalation, oral and dermal. Due to these occupational concerns, there are published workplace exposure limits.
 
“In some instances, even the general public could be exposed to phenol” said Zahid Iqbal, MPH, CIH and Technical Director at Clark Seif Clark (CSC). “According to ATSDR, people could be exposed to elevated levels of phenol if they live near a hazardous waste site or from consumer products that contain it. These include some throat lozenges, mouthwashes, antiseptic lotions, and toilet or floor disinfectants/cleaners. Inhaling cigarette smoke is another source.”
 
To protect against exposure hazards, the industrial hygiene and environmental professionals at Clark Seif Clark offer testing, monitoring, consulting and training services to identify and mitigate risks associated with phenol and many other chemicals. These services help to safeguard workers, the public and help to keep companies in regulatory compliance. CSC has even sponsored an educational video about phenol exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/yPGD6Uuvp7k
 
To learn more about this or other occupational, indoor air quality, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118. 
 
About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational, environmental, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

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Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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