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Creosote: What is it and what is it used for?

Creosote is a general term used for a variety of products: coal tar, coal tar creosote, coal tar pitch, coal tar pitch volatiles, and wood creosote. Creosote is created by high temperature treatment of certain woods, coal, or from the resin of the creosote bush. Creosote is a complex mixture of many chemicals. About 300 chemicals have been identified in coal tar creosote, and there may be 10,000 other chemicals present in the mixture.

Coal tar products are used as insecticides, pesticides, fungicides, animal dips, and animal and bird repellents and are also used to treat certain skin diseases. Coal tar creosote is used as a wood preservative used to treat railroad ties, telephone poles, and many other wood products. Coal tar, coal tar pitch, and coal tar pitch volatiles are used in roofing, road paving, aluminum smelting, and coking.

The major chemicals in coal tar creosote that can cause harmful health effects are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phenol, and cresols. Creosote does not occur naturally in the environment, but it can be released into groundwater and soil through its use as a wood preservative. Some parts of the creosote mixture can enter groundwater or change into other substances, while other parts persist in treated wood products for decades.

Creosote Exposure, Testing, and Health Effects

There are several ways a person may be exposed to creosote. Herbal products are made with the creosote bush; thus, creosote may be ingested. Anyone working in industries using creosote can be exposed to this environmental toxin. Anyone handling wood that has been treated with creosote whether for employment or not may be exposed to creosote. If someone is living in a house that has been made with creosote-treated wood, air or skin contact of creosote may result. Lastly, drinking water can become contaminated with creosote.

Unfortunately there is no test for creosote exposure, although doctors can determine the levels of creosote chemicals in the body. Adverse health effects from exposure to creosote range from burning in the mouth and throat and stomach pain to damage to the liver or kidney and skin irritation and cancer. The type and the extent of injury depends on the type of creosote exposure.

If you have been exposed to creosote and have suffered injury, you may have a legal case. If you would like to speak with a lawyer, please use the Find Attorney button at the top of the page.

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