o-Phenylphenol
- Designated Chemical
- Chemical not currently measured by Biomonitoring California
o-Phenylphenol is used as a disinfectant by healthcare facilities, schools, and various businesses. It may be added as a preservative to some products, such as paints and leather. o-Phenylphenol is also used on some citrus fruit and pears to control fungus, although this use has declined considerably in recent years.
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o-Phenylphenol is found in
- Commercial disinfectants used in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, veterinary clinics, barber shops, agricultural operations, and other industries.
- Other items, such as:
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- Some paints, adhesives, leather, and textiles, as a preservative.
- Some beverage cans.
- The surface of some citrus fruits and pears, in small amounts from agricultural fungicide application.
- Some freshly cut wood treated for fungus.
- A few household pest control products with added disinfectant.
- A few personal care products, such as cleanser for sensitive skin.
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Possible health concerns of o-phenylphenol
- Might have an effect on the body’s natural hormones.
- May increase cancer risk.
Possible ways to reduce exposure to o-phenylphenol
The use of o-phenylphenol has been declining and exposures for most people are expected to be very low. If you think you might be exposed to o-phenylphenol in the ways listed above, here are some actions you can take:
- Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating or preparing food.
- Wash all citrus fruit and pears before eating.
- Clean your floors regularly and use a damp cloth to dust, because o-phenylphenol might be found in dust.
