DISPOSITION OF PHENOL IN RAT AFTER ORAL, DERMAL, INTRAVENOUS, AND INTRATRACHEAL ADMINISTRATION

1. The absorption and elimination of [C-14]-phenol (63.5 nmol) after o ral, dermal, intratracheal, or intravenous administration in rat was r apid and extensive. Urinary elimination of radioactivity predominated, with a range of 75-95% of the dose detected in urine by 72 h post-exp osure. 2. Washing the dermal site 72 h post-exposure removed 14% of th e dose. Two per cent of the dose was detected in the skin. 3. The urin ary metabolites at 4 and 8 h after administration by the four routes i ncluded phenyl sulphate and lower amounts of phenyl glucuronide. 4. Ph enol was poorly retained in the body after administration by the four routes. Phenol remaining in the body was widely distributed, with accu mulation primarily in the liver, lung, and kidney.