| Abstract |
Acute oral toxicity was evaluated in groups of 5 male albino rats (strain not reported) administered single doses of phenol suspended in water at dose levels of 215, 316, 464, and 681 mg/kg. Mortality was observed within 14 days of dosing in 1 animal at the 316 mg/kg dose level, 3 at 464 mg/kg and in all animals at the 681 mg/kg dose level; the LD50 was calculated to be 414 mg/kg of body weight with 95% confidence limits of 325 to 527 mg/kg. Clinical observations included tremors, weakness, hyperactivity, muscle spasms, prostration, loss of righting reflex, and convulsions. Gross necropsy evaluation revealed no significant changes. Acute dermal toxicity was evaluated in groups of 5 albino rabbits (sex and strain not reported) receiving single applications of phenol at dose levels of 681, 1000, 1470, and 2150 mg/kg. The method and length of application were not reported. Mortality was observed within 14 days of treatment in 1 animal at the 1000 mg/kg dose level and in all animals at 1470 and 2150 mg/kg; the dermal LD50 was calculated to be 1120 mg/kg with 95% confidence limits of 963 to 1310 mg/kg. Clinical observations included vocalization, excitation, hypoactivity, and necrosis of the skin. Gross necropsy revealed hyperemia of the lungs. Acute inhalation toxicity was evaluated in 6 male albino rats (strain not reported) exposed for 15 minutes to measured concentrations of phenol at a concentration of 1.20 mg/l of air. The method of generating the test atmosphere was not reported. Mortality was not observed within 14 days of exposure; the LC50 was determined to be greater than 1.20 mg/l. Clinical observations included inactivity and lacrimation. Gross necropsy revealed no significant changes. Subchronic oral toxicity was also evaluated in groups of 10 male albino rats administered phenol at dietary concentrations of 0, 100, 500, and 1000 ppm over a period of 4 weeks. There were no compound-related mortalities, clinical observations or gross necropsy findings. A statistically significant increase (p > 0.05) in the relative liver weights of animals in the 500 ppm group was observed. In a separate study, the ground water at Monsanto's Everett, Mass plant was tested to determine the organic and inorganic compounds present. The following inorganic compounds were detected in the well tested and exceed the toxicologically safe concentrations: arsenic, chromium, mercury, copper, nickel, lead, selenium, and zinc. In addition, the following organic compounds were detected and exceeded the safe concentrations: fluoranthene, cyanide, phenol, and naphthalene. Monsanto also investigated the characteristics of the effluents and influents of their Trenton, Michigan plant. The following compounds were detected in the plant's influent at concentrations ranging from 2 - 30 ug/l: Cl-phenol-d4; Cl2-benzene-d4; methyl phenol isomer; propenal-methyl diethylhydrazone isomer; methyl-methy-ethenyl - cyclo-hexene isomer; octyl phenol isomer; methyl triazolo-triazine isomer; methyl-azatri-cycloundecane; hexathiepane; and nonyl phenol isomer. Anthracene and elemental sulfur were found in the influent at concentrations of 100 and 942 ug/l, respectively. The following compounds were detected in the plant's effluent at concentrations ranging from 17 - 104 ug/l: Cl-phenol-d4; phenol; ethyl hexanol; ethylhexenal isomer; anthracene; elemental sulfur; pyrene-d10; 4,4'-(1-methylethylidene)bis - phenol; chrysene-d12; and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. |
