PHENOL: HAZARD CHARACTERIZATION AND EXPOSURE–RESPONSE ANALYSIS

Abstract

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 μg/kg body weight per day has been 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.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To ensure transparency and defensibility of the health assessments, a cut-off date for consideration of new data is specified so as not to compromise the integrity of several stages of internal and external review. Data obtained after September 1997 were not considered for inclusion in this assessment.

Sections of the Assessment Report and supporting documentation that served as the basis for the preparation of this paper related to genotoxicity were reviewed by D. Blakey of the Environmental and Occupational Toxicology Division of Health Canada. Sections of the supporting documentation pertaining to human health were reviewed externally by B. Duncan, Allied Signal, Inc.; R. Gingell, Shell Chemical Company; G. Granville, Shell Canada Limited; and C. Morris, ICC U.S.A., Inc., primarily to address adequacy of coverage. Accuracy of reporting, adequacy of coverage and defensibility of conclusions with respect to hazard characterization and exposure–response analysis were considered in written review by staff of the Information Department of BIBRA International and at a panel meeting of the following members, convened by Toxicology Excellence in Risk Assessment (TERA): M. Bogdanffy, DuPont Haskell Laboratory; M. Dourson, TERA; A. Jarabek, Environmental Protection Agency (written comments); R. Keenan, ChemRisk Division of McLaren/Hart; G. Leikauf, University of Cincinnati; R. Manning, Georgia Department of Natural Resources; E. Ohanian, Environmental Protection Agency; K. Poirier, Procter and Gamble; A. Renwick, University of Southampton; L. Rosato, Millennium Petrochemical Corporation; and L. Sirinek, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.