Application case of phenol

1. ‌Synthetic Polymer Materials‌
   Phenol serves as a core raw material for phenolic resins and polycarbonates (used in optical materials and electronic devices), as well as a key intermediate in producing bisphenol A (for plastic bottles and building materials)
2. ‌Chemical and Pharmaceutical Production‌
   Utilized in synthesizing salicylic acid (for pharmaceuticals/pesticides), ibuprofen (analgesic), paracetamol, and other drugs; also employed in manufacturing dyes, fragrances, and rubber additives
3. ‌Preservation and Disinfection‌
   Acts as a preservative in food and cosmetics to inhibit microbial growth, and functions as a bactericide in industrial circulating water systems

⚠️ ‌Environmental Pollution and Emergency Cases‌

1. ‌Accidental Leak Incidents‌
   ‌Guangdong Jieyang Accident (2020)‌: A 30-ton phenol tanker leakage contaminated an 8-km river section, threatening the Rongjiang water source. Emergency teams controlled pollution using lime dams, activated carbon adsorption, and water diversion, averting a drinking water crisis.
   ‌Yunnan Crude Phenol Pollution (2019)‌: Crude phenol leakage caused fish deaths and soil poisoning. Authorities constructed 10 lime dams for interception, deployed activated carbon for degradation, and cut off downstream water intake to ensure public safety.
2. ‌Toxicity Impact and Mitigation‌
   Phenol exhibits high toxicity to aquatic life (inhibiting reproduction) and crops (causing withering); prolonged human exposure may lead to liver/kidney damage and neurological symptoms, necessitating strict industrial emission controls.