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The rear-end collision involving a hazardous materials vehicle on the Puning Chigang section of the Yongguan Expressway resulted in a phenol leak, contaminating water in a ditch that is approximately 8 kilometers long and 2 meters wide near Puxia Village in Chigang Town. Although the treatment of the polluted water bodies has been completed, do you know anything about phenol? To prevent accidents in the future, let’s learn together from Weiwei*. I. Definition of phenol Phenol is an organic compound that appears as colorless needle-shaped crystals with a distinctive odor. https://p4.itc.cn/images01/20200916/74fcea131bca4446a52c1365d9dae810.jpeg II. Characteristics of phenol 1. When exposed to air for an extended period of time, phenol undergoes oxidation and turns pink. It turns purple in the presence of trivalent iron ions; this method is commonly used to test for phenol. 2. Phenol is a flammable substance, and it can be extinguished using common fire extinguishing agents such as water, dry powder, and carbon dioxide. Phenol is slightly soluble in water at room temperature, and it becomes miscible with water when the temperature is above 65°C. 3. Phenol is corrosive; contact with it can cause local protein denaturation. If its solution comes into contact with the skin, it can be washed off with alcohol. Uses of phenol: 1. In industrial production, phenol is an important raw material for manufacturing certain resins, fragrances, coatings, fungicides, preservatives, and drugs such as aspirin. 2. Phenol can be used to disinfect surgical instruments and treat excreta, as well as to sterilize the skin, relieve itching, and treat otitis media. 3. Diluted solutions of phenol can be used directly as preservatives and disinfectants; for example, a small amount of phenol is added to the soap used in daily life. IV. Effects of phenol on the human body 1. Phenol is a commonly used disinfectant and preservative in hospitals; it is oxidized in the air to form pink benzoin. Benzoin is volatile in air, with an average decay period of five days, so phenol exposed to the natural environment undergoes continuous degradation. 2. Low concentrations of phenol do not cause harm to the human body, and their presence in the air for short periods has no impact on humans. However, prolonged exposure to high concentrations of phenol vapor can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, pulmonary edema, and other symptoms; therefore, it is necessary to avoid staying in areas with high concentrations as much as possible. V. What should be done in case of direct contact? 1. Skin contact: Phenol is somewhat corrosive to human skin; if it comes into direct contact with the skin, it should be immediately cleaned with alcohol or rinsed thoroughly with plenty of water. 2. Eye contact: Lift the eyelids and thoroughly rinse with plenty of flowing water or saline for at least 15 minutes. 3. Accidental ingestion: Immediately administer 15~30 mL of vegetable oil. Induce vomiting and seek medical attention. 4. Inhaling: Quickly leave the area and go to a place with fresh air. Keep the airways clear. If there is difficulty breathing, administer oxygen. If breathing stops, perform artificial respiration immediately. http://p8.itc.cn/images01/20200916/cad2e13a60b54afeb3b18131189429d8.jpeg VI. Hazardous properties 1. Environmental hazards: It poses serious threats to the environment, and can contaminate water bodies and the atmosphere. 2. Fire and explosion hazard: This substance is flammable, highly toxic, and highly corrosive; it can cause burns to the human body. VII. Fire-fighting measures 1 Hazardous characteristics: Flammable in the presence of open flames or high temperatures. 2 Harmful combustion products: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide. 3 Fire extinguishing methods: Firefighters must wear gas masks and full protective firefighting suits, and extinguish the fire from the upwind direction. 4 Fire extinguishing agents: water, alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide. VIII. Emergency Response to Leaks 1 Emergency measures: Isolate the area contaminated by the leak and restrict access. Immediately cut off the source of fire; it is recommended that emergency responders wear dust masks (full-face masks) and protective clothing. 2 Minor leaks: Cover with dry lime or soda ash. 3 Massive leakage: Collect, recycle, or transport to a waste disposal facility for disposal. IX. Precautions for operation 1. Operate in a closed environment, provide adequate local exhaust ventilation, and preferentially use isolated operation methods. 2. Operators must receive specialized training and strictly adhere to the operating procedures. 3. It is recommended that operators wear self-priming filter dust masks, chemical safety goggles, breathable gas-proof suits, and chemical-resistant gloves. 4. Stay away from sources of fire and heat; smoking is strictly prohibited in the workplace. 5. Use explosion-proof ventilation systems and equipment. Avoid generating dust. 6. Avoid contact with oxidizers, acids, and bases. 7. Handle with care during transportation to prevent damage to the packaging and containers. 8. Equip with appropriate types and quantities of fire-fighting equipment and emergency response devices for leaks. 9. Empty containers may retain harmful substances. X. Storage precautions: 1. Store in a cool and well-ventilated warehouse. Keep away from flames and heat sources. 2. Avoid light exposure. The storage temperature should not exceed 30°C, and the relative humidity should not exceed 70%. The package is sealed. 3. It should be stored separately from oxidizers, acids, bases, and food chemicals; mixed storage is strictly prohibited. 4. Equip with appropriate types and quantities of fire-fighting equipment. 5. The storage area should be equipped with suitable materials to contain leaks. The “five pairs” management system for highly toxic substances must be strictly implemented. Do you now know something about phenol? Phenol is relatively rare in daily life; those who are not involved in its handling can learn a little about it. However, those who work with it or are responsible for its transportation must be well-versed in this information in order to operate safely and prevent accidents.