Phenol and Related Compounds
Phenol (carbolic acid) was introduced into household use as a potent germicidal agent but has limited use today because less toxic compounds have replaced it. Phenol is now most commonly found in topical skin products (eg, Campho-phenique contains 4.7% phenol) and is also used cosmetically as a skin-peeling agent. Hexachlorophene is a chlorinated biphenol that was used widely as a topical antiseptic and preoperative scrub until its adverse neurologic effects were recognized. Other phenolic compounds include creosote, creosol, cresol, cresylic acid, hydroquinone, eugenol, and phenylphenol (bisphenol, the active ingredient in Lysol). Pentachlorophenol and dinitrophenols are discussed in Pentachlorophenol and Dinitrophenol.
Mechanism of toxicity. Phenol denatures protein, disrupts the cell wall, and produces a coagulative tissue necrosis. It may cause corrosive injury to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Systemic absorption may result in cardiac arrhythmias and CNS stimulation, but the mechanisms of these effects are not known. Some phenolic compounds (eg, dinitrophenol and hydroquinone) may induce hemolysis and methemoglobinemia (See Methemoglobinemia).
Toxic dose. The minimum toxic and lethal doses have not been well established. Phenol is well absorbed via inhalation, skin application, and ingestion.
Inhalation.
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