Nitrophenols include two chemicals, 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol, which are very similar to each other. They are manufactured
chemicals that do not occur naturally in the environment. The manufacture of one almost always produces a little of the other, so they are grouped together when discussing their properties and harmful effects.
2-Nitrophenol is a light yellow solid with a peculiar sweet smell. 4-Nitrophenol is a colorless to light yellow solid with very little odor.
2-Nitrophenol is used mainly to make dyes, paint coloring, rubber chemicals, and substances that kill molds. 4-Nitrophenol is used mainly to make drugs, fungicides, dyes, and to darken leather.
Everyone is exposed to very low levels of the nitrophenols in air, water, and soil.
Workers who make or process the chemicals may be exposed to higher levels of them. Animal studies suggest that 4-nitrophenol may cause a
blood disorder. These chemicals have been found in at least 113 of 1,416 National Priorities List
sites identified by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
See a doctor if you have been harmed by this substance. In addition, it
may be important to
contact an attorney who
can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there
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Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
See Also
- Toxic & Hazardous Substances
- Blood Disorders: Overview
- Nitrophenols: Frequently Asked Questions