AFun Facts about Phenol
Advantages of Phenol
- Phenol due to the fact that it is an acidic substance is often used in Chloraseptic throat sprays, and lozenges.
- It can kill nerves sending pain messages, and relieve one's pain.
- Phenol can dissolve quickly in organic compounds such as the fatty compounds in the body and provide immediate pain relief.
- It also is very cheap to produce, and can be made in large quantities by manufacturing companies.
- It is often converted to plastic or other related materials.
- It is a versatile forerunner to many other drugs such as aspirin, herbicides and other pharmaceuticals.
- It is so inexpensive that it is used in many small scale products
- During the 1900's it was widely used as an antiseptic, such as Carbolic soap
- The antiseptic qualities of Phenol also pioneered the idea of antiseptic or germ free surgery
Disadvantages of Phenol
- During World War II Phenol was widely used by the Nazis.
- Injections of Phenol were occasionally given as a means of executing someone.
- It was also combined with other chemicals and used in gas chambers to execute large groups of people.
- Phenols and its vapors are extremely dangerous and corrosive to the eyes, the skin, and the respiratory tract.
- Repeated or prolonged skin contact with Phenol can cause second or even third degree burns and be extremely dangerous.
- Long term or repeated exposure can also cause cancer.
