Phenol (carbolic acid)
Phenols are toxic, white, crystalline solids with a distinct odor. It can occur naturally as well as being synthetic.
Uses: a disinfectant and antiseptic, and is the starting material for the production of aspirin. It is an herbicide. Injections of phenol have occasionally been used as a means of rapid execution. In particular, phenol was used as a means of extermination by the Nazis before and during the Second World War.
Found in: mouthwash and sore throat lozenges, disinfectants, furniture polish, paints, anesthetic for skin.
Effects: Acute: even in small amounts phenol can cause central nervous system depression, circulatory collapse, liver damage and is corrosive to skin. Chronic: suspected carcinogen.
