Phenol

Phenols belong to the class of compounds/aromatics. They are extracted from coal tar and other natural substances but also produced synthetically. Depending on the concentration and composition of phenols and phenol compounds, the properties are acting from antibacterial and antioxidant to carcinogen and highly toxic (labelling obligation). Phenols are used for the production of plastics, epoxy resins, paints, herbicides/pesticides, etc., but also of pharmaceuticals, etc. Due to the carcinogen and toxic properties of concentrated phenols and their derivatives, the modern industry more and more replaces them by physiologically safe substances.