Substance
Phenol

Pathology
Corrosive injury to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; protein denaturation and coagulation necrosis.

Symptoms
Vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal injury, agitation, confusion, seizures, hypotension, shock, coma, respiratory failure, death.

Emergency Measures
Multiple-dose activated charcoal and cathartic; washing of exposed areas; benzodiazepines for seizures. Low molecular weight polyethylene glycol has been used for gastric decontamination and topical exposures. If corrosion has occurred, tube passage may cause rupture.

Comments
Corrosive burns of the skin and mucous membranes and GI perforation can occur. Esophageal stricture and renal failure rarely occur.