Phenols

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 Phenol is the simplest molecule in the phenol group. It is a toxic, colourless to pink, solid substance with a sweet odour.¹

Uses

Phenol has several uses, for example in disinfectants, impregnation agents, cosmetic products, sun protection, hygienic products and glue. Phenol is also used as a solvent in textile chemical products.²,³

Sources and transportation pathways

Phenol can form naturally during degradation of organic matter. Phenol is also formed during combustion and is emitted to the environment by wood combustion, vehicle exhaust and other combustion processes. The substance can be emitted to the environment from diffuse sources associated with production and use of products in which phenol is present.⁴

Effects on environment and health

Phenol accumulates in the environment and is toxic to aquatic organisms.⁵ Phenol is a mutagenic substance, which means that it can cause hereditary genetic defects or increase their frequency.⁶ Phenol is poisonous if ingested, inhaled or comes in contact with skin and can cause chemical burns.⁷

International agreements and regulations

The presence of phenol in products is for example regulated by the EU regulation on Cosmetic products (EC 1223/2009). The UN Protocol on PRTRs and the EU E-PRTR regulation regulate how data on phenol emissions is made available.

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¹ https://rib.msb.se/
² https://rib.msb.se/
³ https://lakemedelsverket.se/upload/om-lakemedelsverket/publikationer/kosmetika/Solskyddsprodukter-tillsynsrapport-2010-05-19.pdf 
⁴ https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/
⁵ https://rib.msb.se/
⁶ https://www.kemi.se/prio-start
⁷ https://rib.msb.se/