Cresol is a mixture of three isomeric methyl phenols obtained from coal tar or crude oil. It has properties similar to phenol but is less poisonous. Cresol can be used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and is found in some pesticides, deodorizers, tobacco, and embalming fluids. While mild skin irritation may occur with exposure, high doses can damage organs and even cause death.

1. Cresol
Term-A mixture of the three isomeric methyl
phenols, obtained from coal tar. Its properties are
similar to those of phenol, but it is less
poisonous; used as an antiseptic and
disinfectant.

2. Cresol
 The chemical is made out of 3 isomers
coming from either tar or coal.
 It is a phenol.
 Types of Cresol– Ortho-Cresol ,Para-Cresol,
and Meta-Cresol

3. Health Risks
 Acute poisoning may result in rapid
circulatory collapse.
 Chronic poisoning may produce
gastrointestinal symptoms,
 Vertigo, skin rashes, jaundice, and uremia.

4. Structure and MSDS info.
 Structure of cresol’s
Cresol- is Flammable-2
Reactivity-0
Health-3
3
2
0

5. Cresol- In Embalming&Info
 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.
 Embalming-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.

6. Cresol is used for….
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.

7. What I learned and what I don’t
understand…
 I learned that cresol is used in many more
ways than just one and it has 3 types.
 Emablmer’s use cresol’s for many things.
What I Don’t Know???
I don’t know what reacts with cresol and I
looked it up but since there is 3 there are
many different chemicals that do react.

8. Works Cited
 http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/cre
 http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/scie
nce/cresol.html