Cresol

Bet you did not know that cresol is a multipurpose chemical. I thought when I signed up to do this research that it would be about weather proofing wood products. Well as to my surprise I found out it is more common than you think. The chemical creosote, is the wood treating chemical which is used for weather proofing. The most popular form of cresol to common everyday people would be found in Lysol, a house hold disinfectant. Cresol is used in a wide variety of disinfectants, deodorizers, and in some instances as pesticides. Some more items which contain cresol is found in tobacco, it is also found in crude oil as well as coal tar, no wonder smoking causes cancer. One item I used to help me with this research and in class everyday while taking notes is the famous sharpie high lighter markers that give off a bright yellow glow. In most cases its color is yellow or brown. Cresol can be a very dangerous chemical. It can be as mild as a minor skin irritant or like the burning of the eyes, mouth, nose, and throat. If ingested it could lead to kidney problems along with damage to the liver, blood, heart, lungs, and even the brain. In severe cases it could even lead to coma or death. Some reports of anemia and facial paralysis have occurred. Not much is known about the long term effects of contact with cresol that’s why it is wise to use it only within the guidelines it is meant for. Cresol was once used as a antiseptic for surgery but now has been replaced with other chemicals that are less toxic. Some forms of cresol (metacresol ), can be very helpful to diabetics because it is found n insulin. To the embalmer cresol can be used as a disinfectant, a chemical used to dissolve stains, and highlight things on our embalming reports as well as notes. So what did I learn from this project ? 1 Cresol is not just a weather proofing agent. 2 Chemicals can have many other uses. 3 Chemicals can be helpful in many different ways. 4 Chemicals can have severe or damaging effects on people, animals, and the environment. 5 One must always use precaution when using chemicals, and educate one’s self on proper use, cleanup methods, as well as first aid. 6 One way to educate ones ‘self is to read the M. S. D. S. sheets.