p-Cresol
Synonyms & Trade Names
4-Cresol, para-Cresol, p-Cresylic acid, 1-Hydroxy-4-methylbenzene, 4-Hydroxytoluene, 4-Methyl phenolExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 2.3 ppm (10 mg/m3)OSHA PEL
TWA 5 ppm (22 mg/m3) [skin]Physical Description
Crystalline solid with a sweet, tarry odor. [Note: A liquid above 95°F.]Molecular Weight
108.2Boiling Point
396°FMelting Point
95°FSolubility
2%Vapor Pressure
(77°F): 0.11 mmHgIonization Potential
8.97 eVSpecific Gravity
1.04Flash Point
187°FUpper Exposive Limit
?Lower Explosive Limit
(300°F): 1.1%Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, acidsExposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane; central nervous system effects: confusion, depression, resp failure; dyspnea (breathing difficulty), irreg rapid resp, weak pulse; eye, skin burns; dermatitis; lung, liver, kidney, pancreas damageTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys, pancreas, cardiovascular systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
Up to 23 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any air-purifying half-mask respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N95, R95, or P95 filter. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 57.5 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter.
Up to 115 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter*
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 250 ppm:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division