Phenols are organic substances related to aromatic hydrocarbons. They can be found in nature, but those that are obtained artificially are best known to man. They are now widely used in the chemical industry, construction, plastics, and even in medicine. Due to the high toxic properties, the stability of its compounds and the ability to penetrate the human body through the skin and respiratory organs, phenol poisoning is often possible. Therefore, this substance was attributed to the class of highly dangerous toxic compounds and strictly regulated its use.
What are phenols
These are chemical compounds found in nature and produced under artificial conditions. Natural phenols can be beneficial - they are an antioxidant, polyphenols, which make some plants healing for humans. And synthetic phenols are toxic substances. If it comes into contact with the skin, it causes a burn, and when it enters the human body - severe poisoning. These complex compounds related to volatile aromatic hydrocarbons pass into a gaseous state even at a temperature of just over 40 degrees. But under ordinary conditions, it is a crystalline crystalline substance with a specific odor.
The definition of phenol is studied at school in a course in organic chemistry. It is said about its composition, the structure of the molecule and harmful properties. About natural substances of this group, which play a large role in nature, many do not know anything. How can phenol be characterized? The composition of this chemical compound is very simple: a benzoic acid molecule, hydrogen and oxygen.
Types of Phenols
These substances are present in many plants. They provide coloring of their stems, the scent of flowers or repel pests. There are also synthetic compounds that are toxic. These substances include:
- Natural phenolic compounds are capsaicin, eugenol, flavonoids, lignins and others.
- The most famous and toxic phenol is carbolic acid.
- Compounds butylphenol, chlorphenol.
- Creosote, lysol and others.
But basically only two names are known to ordinary people: carbolic acid and phenol itself.
Properties of these compounds
These chemicals are not only toxic. They are used by man for a reason. To determine what qualities phenol has, the composition is very important. The combination of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen gives it special properties. That is why phenol is so widely used by humans. The properties of this compound are as follows:
- it is a crystalline substance with a strong sweetish odor;
- the phenol reaction to air is interesting - the crystals change color: first they turn pink, then they turn brown;
- phenol has a very low melting point;
- another quality is acidity;
- this substance is well soluble in alcohol, oil, alkalis and other organic and inorganic solvents, and only in water can phenol dissolve at temperatures above 70 degrees;
- For many years, phenol compounds do not lose their properties, therefore, all products based on them retain toxic effects on humans for a long time.
The role of phenols in nature
These substances are found in many plants. They are involved in creating their color and aroma. Capsaicin sharpens hot peppers. Anthocyanins and flavonoids stain the bark of trees, and ketol or eugenol provide the aroma of the flowers. Some plants contain polyphenols, substances formed by the combination of several phenol molecules. They are good for human health. Polyphenols include lignins, flavonoids and others. These substances are found in olive oil, fruits, nuts, tea, chocolate and other products. It is believed that some of them have a rejuvenating effect and protect the body from cancer. But there are toxic compounds: tannins, urushiol, carbolic acid.
The harm of phenols to humans
This substance and all its derivatives easily penetrate the body through the skin and lungs. In the blood, phenol forms compounds with other substances and becomes even more toxic. The higher its concentration in the body, the more harm it can cause. Phenol disrupts the activity of the nervous and cardiovascular system, affects the liver and kidneys. It destroys red blood cells, causes allergic reactions and the appearance of ulcers.
Most often, phenol poisoning occurs through drinking water, as well as through the air in rooms in which its derivatives were used in the construction, manufacture of paint or furniture.
When inhaled, burns of the respiratory tract, irritation of the nasopharynx and even pulmonary edema occur. If phenol gets on the skin, a severe chemical burn occurs, after which poorly healing ulcers develop. And if more than a quarter of the skin of a person is affected, this leads to his death. In case of accidental ingestion of small doses of phenol, for example, with contaminated water, a stomach ulcer, impaired coordination of movements, infertility, heart failure, bleeding and cancerous tumors develop. Large doses immediately lead to death.
Where are phenols used?
After the discovery of this substance, its ability to change color in air was discovered. This quality began to be used for the production of dyes. But then his other properties were discovered. And the phenol substance has become widely used in human activities:
- for the production of paints and varnishes;
- for processing the skin of animals in light industry;
- in the production of nylon, nylon and other synthetic fabrics;
- to protect farm animals from infections;
- as part of pesticides;
- in the manufacture of smoke for smoking products;
- in the production of plastics;
- as part of detergents and cleaners.
Medical use
When the bactericidal properties of phenol were discovered, it was widely used in medicine. Mainly for the disinfection of rooms, tools and even the hands of personnel. In addition, phenols are the main components of some popular drugs: aspirin, purgen, drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis, fungal diseases and various antiseptics, for example, xeroform.
Now phenol is often used in cosmetology for deep skin peeling. In this case, its property is used to burn the upper layer of the epidermis.
The use of phenol for disinfection
There is also a special drug in the form of ointment and solution for external use. It is used to disinfect items and surfaces in the room, tools and linen. Under the supervision of a doctor, phenol is used to treat genital warts, pyoderma, impetigo, folliculitis, purulent wounds and other skin diseases. The solution in combination with green soap is used to disinfect rooms, soak laundry. If you mix it with kerosene or turpentine, then it acquires disinsection properties.
Do not treat phenol with large areas of the skin, as well as rooms intended for the preparation and storage of food.
How can phenol poison
The lethal dosage of this substance for an adult can be from 1 g, and for a child - 0.05 g. Phenol poisoning can occur for the following reasons:
- in case of non-observance of safety measures in working with toxic substances;
- in case of an accident;
- in case of non-compliance with the dosage of drugs;
- when using plastic products with phenol, for example, toys or dishes;
- improper storage of household chemicals.
In acute poisoning, signs are immediately visible and you can help a person. But the danger of phenol is that when you receive small doses of this you can not notice. Therefore, if a person lives in a room where decoration materials, paints or furniture that emit phenol were used, chronic poisoning occurs.
Symptoms of Poisoning
It is very important to recognize the problem in time. This will help to start treatment on time and prevent death. The main symptoms are the same as with any other poisoning: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness. But there are also characteristic signs by which you can find out that a person was poisoned with phenol:
- characteristic bad breath;
- fainting;
- a sharp decrease in body temperature;
- dilated pupils;
- pallor;
- dyspnea;
- cold sweat;
- decreased heart rate and blood pressure;
- stomach ache;
- bloody diarrhea;
- white spots on the lips.
You must also know the signs of chronic poisoning. When small doses enter the body, there are no strong signs of this. But phenol undermines health. Symptoms of chronic poisoning are:
- frequent migraines, headaches;
- nausea;
- dermatitis and allergic reactions;
- insomnia;
- bowel disorders;
- fatigue;
- irritability.
First aid and poisoning treatment
The victim must be given first aid and taken to a doctor as soon as possible. The measures to be taken immediately after contact with phenol depend on the place of its penetration into the body:
- In case of contact with skin, rinse with plenty of water, do not treat burns with ointment or grease.
- If phenol gets on the oral mucosa, rinse, do not swallow.
- If it enters the stomach, drink sorbent, such as coal, Polysorb, it is not recommended to rinse the stomach to avoid burns to the mucous membrane.
In a medical institution, the treatment of poisoning is complex and lengthy. Pulmonary ventilation, detoxification therapy is carried out, an antidote is introduced - calcium gluconate, sorbents, antibiotics, heart preparations are used,
Safety Rules When Using Phenols
Sanitary and epidemiological standards in all countries have established the maximum permissible level of phenol concentration in indoor air. A safe dose is 0.6 mg per 1 kg of a person’s weight. But these standards do not take into account that with the regular intake of even such a concentration of phenol into the body, it gradually accumulates and can cause serious harm to health. This substance can be released into the air from plastic products, paints, furniture, building and finishing materials, cosmetics. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully monitor the composition of the purchased products and, if there is an unpleasant sweetish smell from some thing, it is better to get rid of it. When using phenol for disinfection, the dosage and storage rules of the solutions must be strictly observed.