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PHENOL ICSC: 0070
October 2001
Carbolic acid
Phenic acid
Hydroxybenzene
PDF for printing Explanation of fields
CAS No: 108-95-2
RTECS No: SJ3325000
UN No: 1671
EC No: 604-001-00-2
    C6H6O / C6H5OH
Molecular mass: 94.1

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible. NO open flames. NO contact with strong oxidants. Alcohol-resistant foam, powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Above 79°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed. Above 79°C use a closed system, ventilation. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
 
EXPOSURE   AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation Sore throat. Burning sensation. Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes). Avoid inhalation of fine dust and mist. Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection. Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
Skin EASILY ABSORBED. Serious skin burns. Numbness. Convulsion. Collapse. Coma. Death. Protective gloves. Protective clothing. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. To remove substance use polyethylene glycol 300 or vegetable oil. Refer for medical attention. Wear protective gloves when administering first aid.
Eyes Pain. Redness. Permanent loss of vision. Severe deep burns. Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection. First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Corrosive. Abdominal pain. Convulsions. Diarrhoea. Shock or collapse. Sore throat. Smoky, greenish-dark urine. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating. Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. T Symbol
C Symbol
R: 23/24/25-34-48/20/21/22-68
S: (1/2-)24/25-26-28-36/37/39-45
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Pack Group: II

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.


EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61S1671
NFPA Code: H 3; F 2; R 0
Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS TO YELLOW OR LIGHT PINK CRYSTALS, WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Chemical dangers
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. The solution in water is a weak acid. Reacts with oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 5 ppm as TWA; (skin); A4; BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: H; Carcinogen category: 3B; (DFG 2004).

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body rapidly by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance and the vapour is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, heart and kidneys, resulting in convulsions, coma, cardiac disorders respiratory failure, collapse. Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the liver and kidneys.


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 182°C
Melting point: 43°C
Density: 1.06 g/cm³
Solubility in water: moderate
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 47
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.2
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.001
Flash point: 79°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 715°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.36-10
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.46
The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms.

NOTES
Other UN numbers: 2312 (molten); 2821 (solution).
Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.
Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
WHO ILO UNEP EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.

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