phenol poisoning, corrosive poisoning caused by the ingestion of compounds containing phenol, such as carbolic acid, creosote, cresol, guaiacol, and naphthol. Characteristic of phenol poisoning are burns of the mucous membranes; weakness; pallor; pulmonary edema; seizures; and respiratory, circulatory, cardiac, and renal failure. Rarely, esophageal stricture may develop as a complication of extensive tissue damage. Also called carbolic acid poisoning, carbolism.
