Phenol poisoning
Phenol is a highly toxic chemical in the form of colorless small crystals with a pungent gouache odor. In air, under the influence of oxygen, the crystals are rapidly oxidized and acquire a pink tint.
Source: depositphotos.com
Phenol is widely used in the production of antiseptics, dyes, medicines, phenol-formaldehyde resins, detergents, sugar substitutes, and pesticides.
Violations of safety rules when working with phenols often lead to severe poisoning, which is dangerous to life.
How does phenol poisoning occur?
Phenol belongs to the II class of hazard, it is able to penetrate the body through the skin and mucous membranes, by the respiratory tract and through the digestive tract (orally).
Vapors, dust and phenol solutions have a pronounced irritant effect, contact with them leads to chemical burns of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, digestive system organs, eyes and skin. In this case, the pain is so intense that reflex disorders of the central nervous system function can develop, up to a state of shock or paralysis of the respiratory center.
Phenol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. Its toxic effect on the brain appears a few minutes after the poisoning.
The toxic effect of phenol is associated with its ability to disrupt the structure of protein molecules in the protoplasm of cells. As a result, coagulation of protein molecules occurs, which is manifested by tissue necrosis (necrosis).
Phenol also causes the destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis). The products of hemolysis clog the renal tubules, which leads to a deterioration in the filtration function of the kidneys, up to the development of acute renal failure.
Phenol metabolism products cause serious liver dysfunctions.
The lethal dose of phenol when taken orally for an adult is 2 g, for a child - no more than 0.5 g.
Poisoning symptoms
Phenol poisoning can be acute or chronic.
The main symptoms of acute inhalation poisoning are:
- severe dizziness;
- weakness;
- hypersalivation;
- psychomotor agitation;
- headache;
- paroxysmal cough;
- sneezing;
- the appearance of erythrocytes and protein in the urine (determined by laboratory tests).
When phenol gets on the skin at the site of the lesion, the skin wrinkles and turns pale, then turns red, after which bubbles appear in this area. After opening the blisters, soft tissue necrosis develops. With extensive skin lesions, in addition to local ones, there are general symptoms:
- fever;
- breathing disorders;
- headache;
- heart rhythm disturbances.
With oral intake of phenol, severe intoxication rapidly develops. Her symptoms:
- chemical burns to the lips and oral mucosa;
- the appearance of a specific phenolic odor from the mouth;
- repeated vomiting, while the vomit has a characteristic odor and brown color;
- excruciating pain in the oropharynx and epigastric region;
- diarrhea, in which there is an admixture of blood in the stool;
- dilated pupils;
- pallor of the skin;
- profuse cold sweat;
- respiratory rhythm disturbances;
- decrease in body temperature;
- severe hypotension;
- tachycardia alternating with bradycardia;
- convulsions;
- disturbances of consciousness;
- coma.
Chronic phenol poisoning is characterized by:
- excessive sweating;
- decreased performance, weakness;
- headaches;
- sleep disorders;
- dermatitis;
- dyspeptic symptoms;
- increased irritability.
Source: depositphotos.com
First aid for phenol poisoning
First aid measures depend on how phenol enters the body.
In case of inhalation poisoning, the victim should be immediately evacuated to fresh air.
If phenol gets on the skin, the damaged area should be rinsed abundantly with running water, avoiding friction, as it increases the skin damage and the toxic effect of the poison.
In case of oral poisoning with phenol, rinsing the stomach is contraindicated! The victim should rinse the mouth with clean water, but should not be swallowed. To destroy phenol that has entered the stomach and slow down the rate of its absorption, the patient is given 30-50 ml of olive, sunflower or castor oil to drink. For this purpose, you can take a suspension of activated carbon (grind several tablets at the rate of 1 tablet for every 10 kg of body weight and mix with 50 ml of cold water). No more fluids should be given, as this can increase the severity of the poisoning.
When is medical attention needed?
With minor burns of the skin with phenol, the general condition does not suffer, therefore, the victims, as a rule, do not seek medical help.
In all other cases of phenol poisoning, it is necessary to call an ambulance team as soon as possible.
There are no specific antidotes for phenol. Victims are treated with syndromic therapy aimed at correcting acidosis, maintaining airway patency, combating shock and arresting seizures. For laryngeal edema, tracheal intubation or tracheostomy is performed.
Possible consequences
Phenol poisoning often causes severe damage to liver and kidney tissue, which can lead to acute renal and / or liver failure. The outcome of these complications often becomes chronic insufficiency of these organs, the treatment of which requires their transplantation.
Severe forms of oral phenol poisoning are usually fatal within the first day.
Prevention
To prevent phenol poisoning, it is important to adhere to safety precautions. Production premises must be provided with supply and exhaust ventilation; smoking and eating and drinking water are prohibited in them. Work with phenol should only be carried out using personal protective equipment (respirators, rubber shoes and gloves, rubberized clothing).
Care should be taken when using products that contain phenol at home. It is necessary to work with open doors and windows in order to ensure natural ventilation of the room. Protect the skin with long-sleeved clothing and gloves. Phenol should be stored in a lockable cabinet, indicating the name, method of use, expiration date on the label.
Elena Minkina Doctor anesthesiologist-resuscitator About the author
Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute, specializing in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly passed refresher courses.
Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the city maternity complex, resuscitator of the hemodialysis department.
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
