Phenol: Hazard characterization and exposure-response analysis

Phenol has been assessed as a Priority Substance under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Based on the results of studies conducted in experimental animals, the kidney appears to be a target organ for phenol-induced toxicity. Other sensitive effects observed in laboratory mammals include histopathological changes in the liver and thymus, reduced counts of certain blood cells, suppressed immune response and effects on the nervous system. A tolerable intake of 120 mug/kg body weight per day has beers derived, based on division of an effect level by uncertainty factors recognizing that exposure-response has been best characterized for developmental toxicity, but taking into account limited available data on other endpoints.