How phenol and cyanide destroy health

Phenol and cyanide are toxic chemicals, if swallowed or exposed to certain doses, can be fatal.

The safety data sheet issued by the HCMC Institute of Public Health Hygiene defines phenol (C ₆ H ₅ OH) as a colorless to light pink solid, distinct, aromatic, acrid, burning scent. This substance is easily soluble in methanol, diethyl eter, cold acetone, water, benzene, chloroform, glycerol, petroleum, carbon disulfide, volatile oil and fixed, alkaline hydroxide aqueous, carbon tetrachloride, acetic acid, substance liquid sulfur dioxide, especially alcohol. Phenol is almost insoluble in eter oil.

Phenol is very toxic to the skin, respiratory tract, digestive system and eyes. Particularly dangerous if swallowed, inhaled or exposed through the skin. This substance mutates somatic cells in mammals. Dose of 630 mg / kg causes 50% of animals to die from skin contact. Human poisoning of phenol can be affected chronicly leading to cancer, damage to organs such as kidney, central nervous system, liver.

Phenol in solid form.(Photo: chemistryclass).

Dr. Phan The Dong, a lecturer in the Faculty of Science and Technology, Hoa Sen University, Ho Chi Minh City, affirmed that phenol is a chemical used in industry, has many toxicity to human health so it is not allowed to show. in food. Therefore, there are absolutely no standards that regulate the level or content of phenols in food.

According to the book of Pharmacodynamics published by Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, cyanide (or cyanide) is the name of extremely toxic chemicals with ions [C≡N] , including a carbon atom and nitrogen. Only a small amount of 0.15 to 0.2 g can cause death.

Cyanide can be produced by bacteria, fungi and found in some plant foods such as bamboo shoots, cassava roots, spinach. This substance exists in water, soil is the waste source of mining process, petrochemical industry, steel production. Some other cyanide sources from car smoke and gasoline engines.

When entering the organism, cyanide acts to ferment oxygen daza (function of transferring oxygen from the blood to the tissues). This prevents the cell's oxygen absorption, causing the cell to die. Severe poisoning organisms can lead to rapid choking and death.

Clinical studies have shown that if only a very small amount of cyanide is infected, it will not be poisoned when it enters the body and the organism will be converted into CO2 and excreted within 24 hours. Cases of cyanide intoxication greater than 1 mg / l can lead to death.

Typical symptoms of cyanide poisoning include acute poisoning due to shock and acidosis. Patients often experience dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and seizures that can lead to death. Annual reports around the world have thousands of people died of cyanide poisoning.