Carbolic acid, or phenol, is a colorless, clear liquid with a peculiar odor. It is highly soluble in oils and water. This acid has bactericidal, antiseptic and antiparasitic properties.
Carbolic acid is a poison for ticks and lice. A 2% solution of the substance kills them in a couple of minutes. The properties of phenol are enhanced by interaction with a single-component salt or acid, as well as with increasing temperature. In case of contact of the substance with the wound surface, the sensitivity of nerve endings is significantly reduced. If this effect is short-lived, then no trace remains. Otherwise, nerve degeneration occurs, which will be the greater, the higher the concentration of phenol.
Carbolic acid can be used to wash wounds. Moreover, its use is impractical with long-term treatment. Phenol is perfectly absorbed by the mucous membranes, and the skin is worse.
Indications for use:
- disinfection of sewage pits, care items, manure storages, sludge wells, livestock buildings;
- disinfection of linen, overalls, leather products, catgut, tools, animal skin;
- preservation of various drugs;
- cauterization of neoplasms and skin growths.
Mode of application
Phenol is used externally. There are solutions of 3 and 5%. For disinfection, as a rule, carbolic soap is used. Phenolic-turpentine, phenolic-kerosene mixtures are prepared for disinfestation. Medicines canned in 0.1-0.5% solutions.
Contraindications
The drug can not be used on productive animals, before slaughter, as well as on cats. It is strictly forbidden to disinfect rooms with phenol that are designed for the processing and storage of milk and meat.
Storage conditions
Carbolic acid is stored in a dry place, protected from the sun, in a closed container, at a temperature not lower than 0 degrees. Shelf life is one year.
Side effects
Phenol 2.5% is highly irritating to tissues. The substance is absorbed through the skin and can cause poisoning of the animal. After resorption, carboxylic acid adversely affects the condition of animals. Large doses of the substance are extremely undesirable for a living organism. They can cause paralysis, depression, coma, serious conditions, weakening of resistance and death. A lethal outcome from large doses of phenol occurs within a few minutes. It is almost impossible to save the animal.
special instructions
Carbolic acid, which you can buy in specialized stores or from suppliers, is extremely harmful to human health. The fact that phenol residues are present in milk or meat can be said by the persistent unpleasant odor. When purchasing such products, special attention should be paid to the manufacturer and the quality of the packaging.
The first sign of poisoning in animals is the presence of dark urine. In this case, it is necessary to stop the use of acid and rinse the stomach. The latter can be done using lime water with sugar, burnt magnesia, and glauber's salt.