2-Nitrophenol (CED0008155)

2-Nitrophenol belongs to the nitrophenols, a subclass of phenols within the organic compounds. This exogenous benzenoid has the formula C6H5NO3 and an average molecular weight of 139.11 g/mol. At room temperature, it exists as a solid. It is used primarily in the production of rubber chemicals, paint coloring, dyes, and substances that kill molds. The compound is found in or released from 41 recorded sources. These include aquatic systems and sediments such as freshwater, seawater, surface water, and groundwater, as well as drinking water and water supply sources including tap, bottled, and desalinated water. It is also present in wastewater, sanitation, and biosolids, including unspecified wastewater, industrial wastewater, mine wastewater, and wastewater treatment effluent. Additional sources include household cleaning and consumer products such as soap detergents, bleaching agents, tobacco smoke filters, cigar cigarettes, and perfumes within detergents and soaps. It is associated with food, food processing, and cookware, specifically the preparation of malt, wort, and wine or sparkling wine, as well as food preservation and fermentation processes for beer. Furthermore, it is found in electrical and electronic equipment, including antennas, amplifiers, electric switches, conductive bodies characterized by the conductive materials, and electrically stimulated smoking devices, among five other sources. Exposure routes include touch, oral, and inhalation. Recorded protein targets include the estrogen receptor (ESR1) and hemoglobin subunits alpha (HBA1) and beta (HBB). The nitrite in nitrophenols causes the autocatalytic oxidation of oxyhemoglobin to methemoglobin and hydrogen peroxide. This elevation of methemoglobin levels results in a condition called methemoglobinemia, which is characterized by tissue hypoxia because methemoglobin cannot bind oxygen.