Immunotoxicity of technical pentachlorophenol (PCP-T): Depressed humoral immune responses to T-dependent and T-independent antigen stimulation in PCP-T exposed mice

The phenolics used for industrial and commercial purposes are a large and diverse group of chemicals as the six‐member ring of phenolics can be methylated, halogenated or include other moieties that add properties or toxicological potential that is not observed with simple phenolics. For simple dihydroxy phenolics, the largest exposure potential can be through their presence naturally in foods. Low concentrations of chlorophenols are commonly found in drinking water due to water chlorination processes. Simple methyl phenols are commonly used as disinfectants. More complex phenolics such as creosote and pentachlorophenol are used as wood preservatives. The acute toxicity of phenolics at relatively high doses is manifested as excitation of the nervous system causing muscle tremors, salivation, and in severe cases, convulsions. The excitatory phase of phenolic intoxication gives way to depression of the nervous system and can result in mortality. Acute and repetitive exposure to phenolics can result in liver and kidney toxicity. A number of phenolics can be absorbed through skin and are readily absorbed after ingestion. Major metabolites of phenols are sulfates and glucuronide conjugates that are excreted through the kidneys. First pass metabolism present on ingestion is not a factor for phenols absorbed through the skin. Therefore, the toxicity of phenolics may differ depending on route of exposure.

Phenol and Phenolics

Cavender,

O'Donoghue

2023

Phenol and Phenolics

Gingell¹,

O’Donoghue²,

Staab³

et al. 2001

Phenol was originally isolated from coal‐tar streams, but now it is almost exclusively produced by the oxidation of cumene and subsequent cleavage of the cumene hydroperoxide to form phenol and acetone. The U.S. production of phenol for 1995 was 4.16 billion lb (3). Phenol is used in the petroleum industry to extract lube (lubricating) oil from residual oil. It is reacted with aldehydes such as formaldehyde to form “phenolic resins,” which are widely used as adhesives, structural products, and electrical laminates. Other uses include the manufacture of caprolactam (an intermediate in the manufacture of nylon), bisphenol A (an intermediate in the manufacture of epoxy resins and polycarbonates), herbicides, wood preservatives, hydraulic fluids, heavy‐duty surfactants, lube‐oil additives, tank linings and coatings, and intermediates for plasticizers and other specialty chemicals. Phenol is used medically in throat lozenges, disinfectants, and ointments; for facial skin peels; and to cause nerve block. With rare exceptions, human exposure in industry has been limited to accidental contact of phenol with the skin or to inhalation of phenol vapors. Other major sources of inhalation exposure include residential burning and automobile exhaust. Similar details are given for phenolics, including chloro and bromo compounds.

Phenol and Phenolics

Cavender¹,

O’Donohue²

2012

Phenol was originally isolated from coal tar streams, but now it is almost exclusively produced by the oxidation of cumene and subsequent cleavage of the cumene hydroperoxide to form phenol and acetone. The U.S. production of phenol for 1995 was 4.16 billion lb. Phenol is used in the petroleum industry to extract lube (lubricating) oil from residual oil. It is reacted with aldehydes such as formaldehyde to form “phenolic resins,” which are widely used as adhesives, structural products, and electrical laminates. Other uses include the manufacture of caprolactam (an intermediate in the manufacture of nylon), bisphenol A (an intermediate in the manufacture of epoxy resins and polycarbonates), herbicides, wood preservatives, hydraulic fluids, heavy‐duty surfactants, lube oil additives, tank linings and coatings, and intermediates for plasticizers and other specialty chemicals. Phenol is used medically in throat lozenges, disinfectants, and ointments; for facial skin peels; and to cause nerve block. With rare exceptions, human exposure in industry has been limited to accidental contact of phenol with the skin or to inhalation of phenol vapors. Other major sources of inhalation exposure include residential burning and automobile exhaust. Similar details are given for phenolics, including chloro and bromo compounds.