Phenol is a crystalline solid that is colorless or white. It melts at about 41°C, boils at 182°C, and it is soluble in ethanol and ether and a little bit in water. In industry, phenol is essential for making certain artificial resin such as Bakelite. It is also a component of desinfectants, dyes, weed killers, insecticides, explosives, and many drugs such as ear and nose drops. However, breathing and dermal exposure to phenol is very harmful to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in humans. It is toxic when taken orally. An exposure to phenol may occur through breathing contaminated air, skin contact, and ingesting of phenol-containing pharmaceuticals. Tobacco smoke and certain foods contain phenol as well.
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