Professions that involve dealing with the combustion of
coal or wood may be exposed to higher levels of cresols than
the general population. Environmental tobacco smoke is also
a source of cresol exposure. Average cresol concentration may
vary between the brand and type of cigarette in a 45-cubic
meter chamber after six cigarettes had been smoked (ranged
from 0.17 to 3.9 mg m3), although low levels of cresol can be
detected in certain foods and tap water, and these do not
constitute major sources of exposure for most population.
Detectable levels of cresols have been reported in several consumer products including tealeaves, tomatoes, and ketchup
as well as butter, oil, and various cheeses. Exposure to children
occurs by the same routes that affect adults. Children are likely
to be exposed to cresols through inhalation of contaminated air
from automobile exhaust, waste incineration, and secondhand
smoke.
