It can affect the body if it is inhaled, ingested, or contacts eyes or skin. Hazards With Acute Exposure Contact with eyes may cause severe damage and blindness. Contact with skin may cause severe burns or systemic poisoning. Systemic effects may occur from any route of exposure, especially after skin absorption. Hazards With Chronic Exposure Repeated or prolonged skin exposure to phenol or vapors from heated phenol may cause headache, nausea, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea, vomiting, shock, convulsions, and death.
Phenol affects the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys.
Special Safety Precautions Phenol should be used with adequate ventilation to minimize inhalation. When heating phenol, use a water bath inside a chemical fume hood. WEAR safety glasses or a face shield if splashing may occur. Skin contact requires immediate washing of the affected area with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and launder before wearing again.