Product Name: Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin
Synonyms: Bakelite, Phenolic Resin
Uses: Molding compounds, adhesives, laminates, coatings, insulation
Manufacturer: Contact information of supplier varies by region
Emergency Contact Number: Local poison control or emergency response center
CAS Numbers: Phenol: 108-95-2, Formaldehyde: 50-00-0
Classification: Acute Tox. 3 (Oral), Skin Corr. 1B, Eye Dam. 1, STOT SE 3, Carc. 1B, Muta. 2, Aquatic Chronic 2
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties; may cause cancer; causes genetic defects; may cause respiratory irritation
Signal Word: Danger
Symbols: Corrosive, Health hazard, Exclamation mark, Environment
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves/clothing and eye/face protection; do not eat, drink or smoke when handling; avoid release into the environment; in case of inadequate ventilation, wear respiratory protection
Main Components: Phenol (typically 50%-70%), Formaldehyde (20%-42%), Water (<5%), Methanol (by-product, <2%)
Impurities: Residual monomers, trace process aids
Threshold Limit Values (TLVs): Phenol: 5 ppm, Formaldehyde: 0.75 ppm (OSHA)
Other Ingredients: Minor additives or stabilizers, trace phenolic oligomers
Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air immediately; call for medical assistance if symptoms persist; loosen tight clothing
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; flush affected skin with plenty of water and soap for at least 15 minutes; seek immediate medical attention for skin burns or irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, holding eyelids open; remove contact lenses if possible; continue rinsing and get prompt medical advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting; seek medical help right away; provide information on type and quantity of material swallowed
General Advice: Always seek medical attention if exposure is significant or in case of persistent symptoms; provide safety data to first responders
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water mist
Special Hazards: Avoid breathing combustion products like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolics, formaldehyde vapors, toxic fumes
Specific Hazards from Fire: Heating or burning may release toxic gases, intense fumes, or may cause containers to rupture
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective suit; isolate area and keep upwind
Firefighting Instructions: Cool closed containers exposed to fire with water spray; prevent run-off entering drains, soil, water bodies
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected personnel; ventilate affected area; avoid inhalation and direct contact
Protective Equipment: Chemical resistant gloves, goggles, respirator, impervious clothing
Containment Methods: Stop leak if safe; use inert absorbent (sand, earth, vermiculite) to contain spill
Clean-up Procedures: Scoop up, place in labeled containers for disposal; wash laundering materials and surfaces thoroughly after cleanup
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, waterways, soil; notify relevant authorities if release contaminates environment
Handling Requirements: Use only with adequate ventilation; avoid breathing vapors and mists; prevent contact with skin, eyes, clothing; do not eat, drink or smoke when handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, labeled containers in a dry, thermally stable, well-ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources, and incompatible materials
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, amines
Special Handling Procedures: Ground and bond containers, use non-sparking tools; avoid static discharge; keep out of reach of children
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, eye wash stations, safety showers in the work area
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Impervious gloves (nitrile, neoprene), long-sleeved clothing, chemical resistant apron
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirators in poorly ventilated areas or if exposure limits may be exceeded
Exposure Limits: As set by OSHA, ACGIH for phenol and formaldehyde; adhere to recommended limits
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after use; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Physical State: Solid or viscous liquid, depending on grade
Color: Pale yellow to dark brown
Odor: Strong, pungent, phenolic
pH: 7-8 (aqueous solutions, varies by formulation)
Boiling Point: Not readily determined (decomposes)
Melting Point: 70°C–120°C for solid resins
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient temperatures; higher for monomers
Solubility (Water): Slightly soluble; soluble in alcohol, ether
Density: 1.1–1.3 g/cm³
Flammability: Not readily flammable; will burn at elevated temperatures
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, sparks, direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Acids, bases, oxidizers, strong reducing agents, ammonia
Hazardous Decomposition: Toxic fumes like carbon oxides, formaldehyde, phenol vapors, methane in fire conditions
Polymerization: May occur at high temperatures or with improper formulation; releases heat and gas
Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, inhalation, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Corrosive to skin, eyes, mucous membranes; inhalation may cause coughing, sore throat, headache
Chronic Effects: May cause allergic skin or respiratory reactions, nervous system effects; possible carcinogen (formaldehyde classified by IARC as Group 1)
Toxicity Data: LD50 (oral, rat) for phenol: 317 mg/kg; LC50 (inhalation, rat) for formaldehyde: 590 mg/m³/2h
Mutagenicity: Formaldehyde has demonstrated mutagenic effects in laboratory testing
Carcinogenicity: Formaldehyde is considered a proven human carcinogen; phenol shows weak evidence
Environmental Impact: Toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; persistence in water can harm ecosystems
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility; phenol can leach to groundwater
Degradability: Phenol biodegrades slowly; formaldehyde breaks down more rapidly in air and water
Bioaccumulation: Phenol has low potential for bioaccumulation; formaldehyde minimal
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 for fish (phenol): 11 mg/L (96h); exposure may disrupt reproduction in aquatic species
Other Information: Avoid release to environment; spills may require reporting to environmental authorities
Disposal Methods: Incinerate in permitted facility; comply with local, state, national regulations
Waste Code: US EPA Hazardous Waste No. U188 (phenol), U122 (formaldehyde)
Contaminated Packaging: Clean prior to reuse or puncture containers and dispose as hazardous waste
Special Precautions: Do not dispose of product or contaminated water into sewers, waterways, soil
UN Number: UN 2821 (Phenol, solid), UN 2209 (Phenol solution), UN 2206 (formaldehyde solution)
UN Proper Shipping Name: Phenol, Formaldehyde Resin Solution
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic), 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group: II, III based on concentration
Labels: Toxic, Corrosive
Special Transport Precautions: Keep separate from foodstuffs, acids, bases; ensure container integrity and leak prevention
OSHA: Phenol and formaldehyde both regulated as hazardous chemicals under 29 CFR 1910
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting under Sections 302/304/313 (formaldehyde, phenol)
TSCA: All components listed on US TSCA Inventory
California Proposition 65: Formaldehyde listed as a carcinogen
Other Global Inventories: REACH (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia) registration required
Worker Protection: Keep up to date with training on chemical hazards, emergency procedures, safe work practices
