# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Phenol | CAS 108-95-2
C6H5OH | RTECS SJ3325000
Synonyms & Trade Names Carbolic acid, Hydroxybenzene, Monohydroxybenzene, Phenyl alcohol, Phenyl hydroxide | DOT ID & Guide 1671 153 (solid) 2312 153 (molten) 2821 153 (solution)
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 5 ppm (19 mg/m3) C 15.6 ppm (60 mg/m3) [15-minute] [skin]
OSHA PEL: TWA 5 ppm (19 mg/m3) [skin]
IDLH 250 ppm | Conversion 1 ppm = 3.85 mg/m3
Physical Description Colorless to light-pink, crystalline solid with a sweet, acrid odor. [Note: Phenol liquefies by mixing with about 8% water.]
MW: 94.1 | BP: 359°F | MLT: 109°F | Sol(77°F): 9%
VP: 0.4 mmHg | IP: 8.50 eV |  | Sp.Gr: 1.06
Fl.P: 175°F | UEL: 8.6% | LEL: 1.8% |
Combustible Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Strong oxidizers, calcium hypochlorite, aluminum chloride, acids
Measurement Methods NIOSH 2546; OSHA 32
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet or contaminated Change: Daily Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Soap wash immediately Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH/OSHA Up to 50 ppm: (APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with a dust and mist filter/(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 125 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode/(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with a dust and mist filter Up to 250 ppm: (APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter/(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having a high-efficiency particulate filter/(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having a high-efficiency particulate filter/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, nose, throat; anorexia, weight loss; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), muscle ache, pain; dark urine; cyanosis; liver, kidney damage; skin burns; dermatitis; ochronosis; tremor, convulsions, twitching
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys
See also: INTRODUCTION