420 County Road 26
Beulah, ND 58523-9400
1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT IDENTIFIER: Phenol
SYNONYMS: Carbolic acid, hydroxybenzene, benzenol, monophenol, phenyl
hydroxide, phenyl alcohol, phenic acid, phenylic acid, and phenylic
alcohol.
GENERAL USE: The largest end use is in phenol-formaldehyde resin used in wood
adhesives as well as molding and laminating resins, paints,
varnishes and enamels. Phenol may also be used in
manufacturing of nylon, herbicides, pharmaceuticals and
preservatives.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Colorless to pink solid crystal like appearance with a
characteristic, sweet, tarry odor.
MANUFACTURER: EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Dakota Gasification Company Dakota Gasification (701) 873-6600
420 County Road 26 CHEMTREC (800) 424-9300
Beulah, North Dakota 58523-9400
(701) 873-6677
2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS WT. % CAS Registry #
Phenol 99.6 - 99.9 108-95-2
Ortho-cresol 0.05 - 0.20 95-48-7
OSHA HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS (29 CFR 1910.1200):
EXPOSURE LIMITS 8 hrs. TWA (ppm)
OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV
Phenol 5 ppm 5 ppm
Ortho-cresol 5 ppm 5 ppm
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION / EMERGENCY OVERVIEW:
Phenol is a combustible, highly corrosive chemical that can cause serious burns and systemic
poisoning by all exposure routes.
Routes of Entry: Absorption, inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, and eye contact.
Effects of Acute Exposure: This material has a strong corrosive effect on the skin and eyes.
The material can rapidly absorb through the skin and may cause death. Symptoms of exposure
may include nausea, headache, respiratory failure, muscular weakness, vomiting, severe
depression, collapse and death. Skin exposure may cause redness, blisters and/or minor to
severe chemical burns. Although the effects are primarily on the central nervous system, excess
accumulation of fluid in the lungs and injury of the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and spleen may occur.
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DANGER ! ! ! Rapid DEATH may occur from gross contamination of the body.
Persons exposed only to phenol vapor do not pose substantial risks of secondary contamination.
Persons whose clothing or skin is contaminated with phenol can secondarily contaminate
personnel by direct contact or through off-gassing vapor.
Effects of Chronic Exposure: Respiratory System; Central Nervous System; Skin; Eyes; Lungs;
Kidneys; Liver. Chronic exposure may cause gastrointestinal disturbances (vomiting, anorexia),
nervous disorders (headache, dizziness), dermatitis, or pigmentary disorder. Serious and
sometimes fatal systemic injury can result from chronic exposure.
Odor character/threshold: Has a distinctive sweet, somewhat acrid, tarry odor. Phenol has
good warning properties due to its characteristic odor and irritation at concentrations below the
concentrations at which toxic effects occur.
Odor Threshold: 0.05 ppm in air
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS:
EYE CONTACT: This material has a strong corrosive effect on the eyes. Eye irritation has
been noted following brief exposures to concentrated vapors.
SKIN CONTACT: Death has occurred from 64 sq. in. of skin exposure. Burns will result from
skin contact. Even dilute solutions may cause severe burns if contact is
prolonged. Systemic toxicity can result from skin or eye exposures.
INHALATION: Phenol causes irritation and is corrosive to tissue of the upper respiratory
system. Because of its low volatility, inhalation is limited.
INGESTION: Phenol is very corrosive to the mouth, esophagus and stomach. Systemic
toxicity will occur. Will cause gastroenteric disturbances. Ingestion can be
fatal.
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
EYES: Remove the victim from the source of contamination and take him to the
nearest eye wash, shower, or other source of clean water. Immediately but
gently brush, blot or wipe away any liquid or powdered chemical remaining
on the face, being careful not to get it on your skin. Gently rinse the affected
eye(s) with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Have the victim
lie or sit down and tilt his head back. Hold the eyelid(s) open and pour water
slowly over the eyeball(s) at the inner corners, letting the water run out of the
outer corners. The victim may be in great pain and want to keep his eyes
closed, but you must rinse the chemical out of his eye(s) in order to prevent
permanent damage. Ask the victim to look up, down and side to side as you
rinse in order to better reach all parts of the eye(s). Seek medical attention
immediately.
SKIN: Rapid skin decontamination is critical. Skin exposure of 64 sq. in. has
caused fatality. Skin contact can be life threatening. The victim may not be
aware of initial skin contact because of local anaesthetic effect of phenol.
Remove clothing, shoes, socks and jewelry from the affected areas as
quickly as possible, cutting them off if necessary. Be Careful not to get any
of the chemical on your skin or clothing. Blot excess chemical from the skin
very gently. In case of extensive splashing, wash the victim down under a
shower under cold or luke-warm water while protecting the victim's eyes.
Rinse the skin area for at least 15 minutes. Keep victim quiet and maintain
normal body temperature. If burns develop such as inflammation or blisters
apply a dry sterile dressing or use a clean dry cloth. Elevate the affected
area above the level of the victim's heart if possible. If the victim is in pain
immerse the painful area in cold water or apply cold wet dressings. DO NOT
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break open blisters or remove skin. If clothing is stuck to skin after flushing
with water, do not remove it. DO NOT use hot water. Seek medical attention
immediately.
INHALATION: Move victim to fresh air at once. Initiate artificial respiration and supply
oxygen if needed. Keep victim warm and at rest. Seek medical attention. If
patient is conscious, the irritation of the throat may be relieved by water in
the mouth. Seek medical attention immediately.
INGESTION: A conscious victim should immediately drink 4 to 8 ounces of water, and
then a slurry of activated charcoal to reduce the concentration of the
chemical. Have him rinse his mouth several times with cold water and spit
out. Do not induce vomiting. Do not give sodium bicarbonate or carbonated
drinks. Keep victim warm and quiet. Seek medical attention immediately.
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
185oF
FLASH POINT:
o
AUTO-IGNITION TEMPERATURE: 1319 F
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Yields combustible vapors when heated.
UPPER EXPLOSIVE / FIRE LIMITS: 8.6%
LOWER EXPLOSIVE / FIRE LIMITS: 1.7%
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Water fog, alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING Firefighters should wear full protective clothing, and a
PROCEDURES: NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus
operated in positive pressure mode. Avoid breathing
phenol or decomposition products. Avoid the downwind
area of the fire. Emits toxic vapors under fire conditions.
All emergency personnel must be totally protected from
exposure to the vapors. Full encapsulating suits of
impervious materials should be worn if personnel must
work in or very near the liquid. Use water spray to
"knock down" vapors. Fight fire from maximum distance.
Contain fire water by diking a perimeter. Only spray
water as necessary to limit environmental contamination.
Water spray nearby vessels to prevent pressure build-
up. Maintain a safe distance. NOTE: A phenol spill will
tend to crystallize, providing the following is true: the
ambient temperature is below 105oF, the humidity is
sufficiently low, water is not applied to it, thus enabling a
clean up procedure to be accomplished more easily.
Phenol burns hot and dirty, generating a lot of heat and
smoke.
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
SPILL OR LEAK When it is safe, shut off the discharge. Approach the spill from
PROCEDURES: upwind, with all ignition sources eliminated. Since the toxicity
is high, release of the vapors and their travel toward
populated areas must be avoided. If vapors can't be
controlled, evacuation downwind must be considered
immediately. Since phenol鈥檚 volatility is low, large amounts of
vapor may not be generated. Released vapors can be swept
from the air by an application of water spray or fog, which will
dissolve them. The resulting water must be collected and
contained. Absorb liquid spills on vermiculite, sand, sawdust,
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or other absorbent to prevent from entering waterways or
sewers and place in approved metal containers. All phenol
containing clean up materials must be handled and treated as
a hazardous waste. If crystalline, shovel into steel drums.
Avoid creating dust. Workers must wear full protective
clothing and positive pressure air supplied respirator.
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: See Section 13-Disposal Considerations on page 7 of 9
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
STORAGE TEMPERATURE: Ambient
SHELF LIFE: Indefinite
SPECIAL SENSITIVITY: None known.
HANDLING / STORAGE Protect containers from physical damage. Store in cool dry
PRECAUTIONS: ventilated locations. Do not store in areas where fire hazard
may exist. Outside detached storage area is preferred
provided the containers are not left to rust. Separate from
other storage. Spills must be disposed of immediately by
properly protected personnel; no others should remain in the
area. Flush area with water.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
RECOMMENDED WORK / HYGIENE Prevent exposure - utilize prudent engineering practice,
PROCEDURES: administrative controls, and or personal protective
equipment.
EYE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS: Prevent eye contact. Use goggles and/or face shield
as appropriate for the exposure potential.
HAND PROTECTION Impervious gloves: viton, neoprene, PVC. Select the
REQUIREMENTS: proper glove that meets your needs based on glove
manufactures advice.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Use impervious materials to prevent all exposures to
REQUIREMENTS: phenol. Butyl rubber(IIR), Neoprene(CR), Teflon.
RESPIRATORY REQUIREMENTS: Chemical cartridge: organic vapor with dust/mist
prefilter. Upper Limit 50 ppm
Supplied air or continuous flow powered air purifying
with organic vapor cartridge and a dust/mist prefilter.
Upper Limit 125 ppm
Self-contained breathing apparatus with full
facepiece operated in pressure demand or other
positive pressure mode. Supplied air line
operated in pressure demand or other positive
pressure with an auxiliary self-contained breathing
apparatus operated in pressure demand or other
positive pressure mode.
WASH REQUIREMENTS: Immediately wash when exposed. Wash before eating
or using the restroom.
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Colorless to light pink crystalline material which melts at 105oF.
APPEARANCE:
Deliquescent material (absorbs moisture from air and becomes
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liquid).
ODOR: Medicinal, sweet, tarry.
PHYSICAL STATE: Colorless to pink crystalline solid or white powder, or syrupy
liquid.
pH: 9.9 in aqueous solutions.
o
VAPOR PRESSURE: 0.36 at 68 F (mmHg)
o
VAPOR DENSITY: 3.24 at 359.6 F (air = 1)
o
MELTING POINT: 105 F
o
BOILING POINT: 358 F
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 1.071 (water = 1)
EVAPORATION RATE: <0.01 (Butyl acetate = 1)
PERCENT VOLATILES: Virtually 100% (by volume)
BULK DENSITY: 8.92 lbs/gallon
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Soluble, 82g/L @ 15掳C
SOLVENT SOLUBILITY: Soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, glycerol, carbon disulfide,
petroleum, volatile oils and alkalies.
MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 94.12
CHEMICAL FORMULA: C6H5OH
CHEMICAL FAMILY: Phenolic
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
INSTABILITY CONDITIONS: None known.
INCOMPATIBILITIES: Strong oxidizers, especially calcium hypochlorite,
aluminum chloride (contact with these may cause fires and
explosions) violent reaction with nitric acid, and acids.
DECOMPOSITION: Toxic vapors and gases, such as carbon monoxide, may
be released in a fire.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: Will not occur.
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
ROUTES OF ENTRY: Exposure to phenol by any route can cause systemic poisoning.
EFFECTS OF ACUTE Death has occurred from 64 sq. in. of skin exposure. Death has
EXPOSURE: occurred from 1.5 grams of oral exposure. Phenol is very
corrosive to all body tissue and is readily absorbed through the
skin. Damage to the central nervous system may occur. Burns
will result from eye and skin contact. Phenol causes irritation
and is corrosive to tissue of the upper respiratory system.
SYMPTOMS: The clinical toxicity produced by phenol is the same no matter
what route of entry. Initial signs and symptoms may include;
nausea, excessive sweating, headache, dizziness, and ringing in
the ears. Seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, depression of
the function of the respiratory center in the brain, and death may
ensue. Coma and seizures usually occur within minutes to a few
hours after exposure or after a delay of up to 18 hours.
EYE EFFECTS: Irritation of the eyes. Burns will result from eye contact. Contact
with concentrated solutions can cause severe eye damage
including clouding of the eye surface, inflammation of the eye
and eyelid burns.
SKIN EFFECTS: Phenol is readily absorbed through the skin. Burns will result
from skin contact. When phenol is applied to the skin, a white
covering of precipitated protein forms. This soon turns red and
eventually sloughs, leaving the surface stained slightly brown. If
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phenol is left on the skin, it will penetrate rapidly and lead to cell
death and gangrene. If more than 60 square inches, are
affected, there is risk of imminent death. Phenol has local
anesthetic properties and can cause extensive damage before
before pain is felt.
ACUTE ORAL EFFECTS: Vomiting and diarrhea are common effects of phenol toxicity by
any exposure route. In cases of ingestion, corrosive mucosal
injury can involve the entire intestinal tract, sometimes causing
ulceration and bleeding. Ingestion may lead to death from
respiratory failure. Mild exposure may cause upper respiratory
tract irritation. With more serious exposure, swelling of the
throat, inflammation of the trachea, tracheal ulceration, and
accumulation of fluid in the lungs can occur.
ACUTE INHALATION Air concentrations of phenol vapors below the PEL of 5 ppm are
EFFECTS: not associated with health effects, although the odor of phenol is
noticeable. Air concentrations above the PEL of 5 ppm have
been associated with irritation of mucous membranes.
CHRONIC EFFECTS / This agent is not considered a carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or
CARCINOGENICITY: OSHA.
MUTAGENICITY: In humans, no clear association between phenol exposure and
risk for birth defects is found.
ORGANS AFFECTED Prolonged oral or subcutaneous administration to animals can
BY LONG-TERM cause damage to the lungs, liver, kidney, heart, and genital and
EXPOSURE: urinary tract. Prolonged inhalation of vapors (30 to 60 ppm) has
induced respiratory difficulties, lung damage, loss of weight, and
paralysis. Prolonged administration of phenol may cause
abnormal growth and inflammation of the kidney, excess blood
in the glomerular and cortical region, cloudy swelling, excess
accumulation of fluid in the convoluted tubules, and
degenerative changes of the glomeruli. Blood cells become
hyalinized, vacuolated, or filled with granules. Muscle fibers
show marked striation. The primary site of stimulation to the
central nervous system is the spinal cord. Twitching is due to
reflex stimulation, where as the chronic convulsions are probably
due to an increased excitation of the motor mechanism of the
anterior horn cells. Chronic exposure to low concentrations of
vapor or mist can cause digestive disturbances. Dermatitis may
occur when traces of phenol or phenol containing materials
contact the skin for long periods of time. Severe chronic
poisoning is characterized by systemic disorders such as
digestive disturbances, including vomiting, difficulty of
swallowing, excessive flow of saliva, diarrhea, anorexia, nervous
disorders, headache, fainting, dizziness and mental disturbance.
Chronic exposure to phenol is usually fatal when there is
extensive damage to the liver and kidneys. Prolonged
cutaneous exposure to phenol may result in ochronosis.
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Phenol has a short half-life as a vapor phase in air which is approximately 12-15 hours, but
persists in water much longer. The biodegradation of phenol in water can range from 1 day to 9
days. Phenol is also photochemically oxidized, and its photo-oxidation half-life is approximately 19
hours. Phenol in soil generally degrades very quickly. Phenol does not concentrate or
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bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms to any significant degree. The transport and movement of
phenol in the environment is affected by the pH of the environment or the medium in which phenol
is present. Since the pKa of phenol is 9.9 and it will, therefore exist in a partially dissociated state
in water and in moist soil. Phenol is biodegradable in water sources if the concentration is not high
enough to produce significant inhibition of degradation by microorganisms. In fact, phenol may
degrade in less than 1 day in surface waters. The degradation of phenol is slower in salt water as
compared to fresh water.
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Recycling or reclamation of all phenol residuals is recommended. Discarded or spill
cleanup material may be considered hazardous waste as defined under RCRA 40 CFR
261.33 (Phenol U188).
Please be advised that state and local requirements for waste disposal may be more
restrictive or otherwise different from federal regulations. Consult state and local
regulations regarding the proper disposal of this material.
14. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
D.O.T. SHIPPING NAME: Phenol, molten, or Phenol, solid
D.O.T. HAZARD CLASS: 6.1
U.N. NUMBER: UN 2312, or UN 1671
D.O.T. PLACARD: Poison
D.O.T. LABEL CODE: Poison
PACKAGING CLASSIFICATION: Packing Group II
D.O.T. REPORTABLE QUANTITY: 1000 lbs
15. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
EPA DETERMINATIONS
CERCLA, 40 CFR 302
The material contains the following hazardous substances which, when released
in quantities equal to or exceeding the Reportable Quantity, triggers National
Response Center notication requirements.
Hazardous Substance Reportable Quantity
Phenol 1000 lbs. (112 gallons)
SUPERFUND AMENDMENTS AND REATHORIZATION ACT OF 1986,
TITLE III - SECTIONS 302, 304, 311, 312, 313
SECTION 302/304 - Extremely Hazardous Substances (40 CFR 355)
The material Phenol is an extremely hazardous substance. However, it is possible that
this material may contain extremely hazardous substances at a lower concentration so
that a large enough spill could warrant an emergency release under Section 304.
SECTION 311/312 - MSDS and Chemical Inventory Reporting Requirements
(40 CFR 370)
The material should be reported under the following EPA Hazard Categories.
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Immediate (Acute Health Hazard)
Delayed (Chronic Health Hazard)
Fire
Sudden Release of Pressure
Reactive
SECTION 313 - List of Toxic Chemicals (40 CFR 372)
The material contains chemical(s) at a level of 1.0% or greater (0.1% for
carcinogens) on the list of toxic chemicals and is subject to toxic chemical
release reporting requirements.
Toxic Chemical: Phenol
CAS Registry Number: 108-95-2
Approximate Concentration (Upper Bound): 99.9 wt%
TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT (TSCA) (40 CFR 710)
The chemical ingredients in this material are in Section 8(b) Chemical Substance
Inventory and/or are otherwise in compliance with TSCA.
LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is believed to
be correct since it was obtained from sources we believe are reliable. However no
representation, guarantees or warranties of any kind are made as to its accuracy,
suitability for particular applications, hazards connected with the use of the material,
or the results to be obtained from the use thereof. User assumes all risks and liability
of any use, processing or handling of any material, variations in methods, conditions
and equipment used to store, handle, or process the material and hazards connected
with the use of the material are solely the responsibility of the user and remain at his
sole discretion.
Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations remains
the responsibility of the user, and the user has the responsibility to provide a safe
work place to examine all aspects of its operation and to determine if or where
precautions, in addition to those described herein, are required.
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