Editing Cresol (section)

==Health effects==
When cresols are inhaled, ingested, or applied to the [[skin]], they can be very harmful. Effects observed in people include [[irritation]] and burning of skin, [[eye]]s, [[mouth]], and [[throat]]; abdominal pain and vomiting; [[heart]] damage; [[anemia]]; [[liver]] and [[kidney]] damage; facial paralysis; [[coma]]; and [[death]].

Breathing high levels of cresols for a short time results in irritation of the [[human nose|nose]] and throat. Aside from these effects, very little is known about the effects of breathing cresols, for example, at lower levels over longer times.

Ingesting high levels results in kidney problems, mouth and throat burns, abdominal pain, vomiting, and effects on the [[blood]] and [[nervous system]].

Skin contact with high levels of cresols can burn the skin and damage the kidneys, liver, blood, [[brain]], and [[lung]]s.

Short-term and long-term studies with animals have shown similar effects from exposure to cresols. No human or animal studies have shown harmful effects from cresols on reproduction.

It is not known what the effects are from long-term ingestion or skin contact with low levels of cresols.

The [[Occupational Safety and Health Administration]] has set a [[permissible exposure limit]] at 5 ppm (22&nbsp;mg/m<sup>3</sup>) over an eight-hour time-weighted average, while the [[National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health]] [[recommended exposure limit|recommends a limit]] of  2.3 ppm (10&nbsp;mg/m<sup>3</sup>).<ref>[https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/cresol.html Documentation for Immediately Dangerous To Life or Health Concentrations (IDLHs) - Cresol (o, m, p isomers)]</ref>