NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

o-Cresol

CAS
95-48-7

CH3C6H4OH

RTECS
GO6300000
Synonyms & Trade Names

ortho-Cresol, 2-Cresol, o-Cresylic acid, 1-Hydroxy-2-methylbenzene, 2-Hydroxytoluene, 2-Methyl phenol
DOT ID & Guide
2076 / 153

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 2.3 ppm (10 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL: TWA 5 ppm (22 mg/m3) [skin]
IDLH
250 ppm See: cresol
Conversion
1 ppm = 4.43 mg/m3
Physical Description
White crystals with a sweet, tarry odor. [Note: A liquid above 88°F.]
MW: 108.2
BP: 376°F
MLT: 88°F
Sol: 2%
VP(77°F): 0.29 mmHg
IP: 8.93 eV

Sp.Gr: 1.05
Fl.P: 178°F
UEL: ?
LEL(300°F): 1.4%

Combustible Solid Class IIIA Combustible Liquid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers, acids
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 2546; OSHA 32
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
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
Up to 23 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any air-purifying half-mask respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N95, R95, or P95 filter. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 57.5 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 25) Any powered air-purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter.
Up to 115 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(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 supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 250 ppm:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
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 an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters./Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane; central nervous system effects: confusion, depression, respiratory failure; dyspnea (breathing difficulty), irregular rapid respiration, weak pulse; eye, skin burns; dermatitis; lung, liver, kidney, pancreas damage
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys, pancreas, cardiovascular system
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0030