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The Toxic truth
annex I
Phenolates/phenols Representing 4.8 per cent of the waste, phenols and cresols combined accounted for 18.2 tons according to the findings of NFI. Although at the high pH values characteristic of the waste when dumped, the majority of the phenols would be present in their phenolate form; conversion to their phenol forms would be expected as pH subsequently fell over time. For phenol itself, which makes up an unknown proportion of the 4.8 per cent total phenols and cresols determined in the waste, the majority would be expected to be converted from phenolate to phenol at pH values below around 9.9. The term phenols covers a wide range of aromatic compounds with a common active hydroxyl group as part of the molecule and, as such, they vary in their toxicity depending on their precise molecular structure. Phenol itself (and any vapour of phenol), for example, is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and any inhalation of vapour may cause water retention in the lung (or lung oedema). Exposure to phenol will affect the central nervous system, heart and kidneys. After inhalation individuals could experience a sore throat, burning sensation in the throat, cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. If concentration is high enough, individuals will become unconscious and may die. Phenol is easily absorbed across the skin. It will cause serious skin burns and numbness in the skin. Skin exposure could result in individuals developing convulsions, collapsing, becoming comatose and dying. The effects of phenol exposure may also be delayed. Exposure of the eyes to phenol will cause pain and reddening and there may be permanent loss of vision with severe deep burns. Because phenol is corrosive, ingestion will cause significant abdominal pain, convulsions and diarrhoea, with individuals possibly developing shock or collapsing. Repeated or prolonged contact with phenol on the skin will cause dermatitis.
Cresols, or methyl phenols as they are often termed, possess many properties similar to phenols. They are corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. They are corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of vapour, or an aerosol of the liquid, may cause water retention in the lungs (lung oedema). The chemical may affect the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, lungs, kidneys and liver, resulting in central nervous depression, respiratory failure and damage to tissue. In high concentrations individuals may become unconscious and die. Effects on inhalation are a burning sensation in the throat, which becomes sore. Individuals complain of a cough, headache, nausea, vomiting and laboured breathing. There may also be shortness of breath. Cresols can be absorbed across the skin causing the skin to become red and painful; blisters and burns may occur. Cresols are corrosive to the eyes and will cause redness and pain and there may be severe deep burns. Ingestion of cresols can result in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, a burning sensation, and individuals may develop shock and collapse. Prolonged exposure of the skin to cresols will cause dermatitis.