Information AboutCresol |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT CRESOL | |
| phenols | |
| antiseptics | |
| hazardous air pollutants | |
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In its Chemical Structure , a cresol Molecule has a Methyl Group substituted onto the Benzene Ring of a Phenol molecule. There are three forms of cresols that are only slightly different in their chemical structure: ''ortho''-cresol (''o''-cresol), '''''meta''-cresol''' (''m''-cresol), and '''''para''-cresol''' (''p''-cresol). These forms occur separately or as a mixture. They are used to Dissolve other chemicals, as Disinfectant s and Deodorizer s, and to make specific chemicals that kill Insect Pest s. Cresol solutions are used as household cleaners and disinfectants, perhaps most famously under the trade name Lysol. In the past, cresol solutions have been used as Antiseptic s in Surgery , but they have been largely displaced in this role by less toxic compounds. Lysol was also advertised as a disinfecting vaginal Douche in mid-twentieth century America. Cresols are found in many foods and in wood and Tobacco Smoke , Crude Oil , Coal Tar , and in brown mixtures such as Creosote and Cresylic Acid s, which are wood Preservative s. Small organisms in soil and water produce cresols when they break down materials in the environment. Xylenol s are dimethylphenols, or they can be thought of as methylcresols. HEALTH EFFECTS Most exposures to cresols are at very low levels that are not harmful. When cresols are breathed, ingested, or applied to the Skin at very high levels, they can be very harmful. Effects observed in people include Irritation and burning of skin, Eye s, Mouth , and Throat ; abdominal pain and vomiting; Heart damage; Anemia ; Liver and Kidney damage; facial paralysis; Coma ; and Death . Breathing high levels of cresols for a short time results in irritation of the Nose and throat. Aside from these effects, very little is known about the effects of breathing cresols, for example, at lower levels over longer times. Ingesting high levels results in kidney problems, mouth and throat burns, abdominal pain, vomiting, and effects on the Blood and Nervous System . Skin contact with high levels of cresols can burn the skin and damage the kidneys, liver, blood, Brain , and Lung s. Short-term and long-term studies with animals have shown similar effects from exposure to cresols. No human or animal studies have shown harmful effects from cresols on the ability to have children. It is not known what the effects are from long-term ingestion or skin contact with low levels of cresols. REFERENCES FOR TABLE OF PROPERTIES EXTERNAL LINK |
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