Abstract

Conning, D. M., and Hayes, M. J. (1970).Brit. J. industr. Med.,27, 155-159. The dermal toxicity of phenol: an investigation of the most effective first-aid measures. The percutaneous toxicity of phenol in the Alderley Park (Wistar derived specific pathogen free) rat was determined and was shown to be increased by the diluents water, methylated spirit or olive oil. The toxicity was related to the degree of dermal damage in one minute, and this was greatest when the phenol was diluted 1: 1 or 2: 1. First-aid procedures were investigated, and the following is recommended:

1. Remove all clothing as quickly as possible. First-aiders must take care to avoid contaminating themselves.

2. Swab all contaminated skin with cotton wool soaked in glycerol, polyethylene glycol or a polyethylene glycol/methylated spirit mixture for at least 10 minutes. Airtight bins containing such swabs should be located wherever large volumes of phenol are in use.

3. Remove the patient to a place equipped with resuscitation equipment and observe for 24 hours.