Identifying Occupational and Environmental 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 solid when pure, but the commercial product is typically a liquid. Due to its many applications, millions of tons of phenol are produced each year and used in several industries.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that exposure to phenol may harm workers depending on the dose, duration, and work being done. Routes of exposure include inhalation, oral, and dermal. Exposure may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and nervous system. Some symptoms of exposure may include weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, muscle aches, and pain. Severe exposure can cause liver and kidney damage, skin burns, tremors, convulsions, and twitching.

According to NIOSH, phenol is used for medicine as a slimicide, antiseptic, and disinfectant, and to manufacture many products. Some examples of workers at 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

“To better protect workers from phenol exposures, there are published workplace exposure limits in place,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “For the general population, people living near a hazardous waste site may be exposed to elevated levels of phenol, according to ATSDR. The agency also lists cigarette smoke as a source as well as some throat lozenges, mouthwashes, antiseptic lotions, and toilet/floor disinfectants and cleaners that contain it.”

To detect phenol and other chemicals, EMSL Analytical offers industrial hygiene, environmental, and material testing services. Testing can be instrumental for keeping companies in regulatory compliance. EMSL provides all of the sampling supplies needed and has sponsored an educational video about phenol and potential exposure risks that can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/yPGD6Uuvp7k.

To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, air quality, environmental, health, safety testing services, sampling supplies, and products, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail