NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

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 See: 108952
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
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/OSHA
Up to 50 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 125 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 250 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 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 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, 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   See ICSC CARD: 0070   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0182