Where It Comes From
Byproduct of coal tar/creosote and petroleum refining; manufactured as an intermediate for dyes, pigments, and some plastics/pharmaceuticals [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing workplace air during coal‑tar distillation, creosote wood treatment, or pigment manufacture; skin contact with coal‑tar products; contact with contaminated soil/dust near old gasworks, coking plants, or treated‑wood sites [1][3].
Why It Matters
Can irritate eyes and skin; high‑dose animal studies report liver effects. IARC has not classified carbazole as carcinogenic to humans (Group 3) [4][5].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling coal tar/creosote or making dyes/pigments; people living near contaminated industrial or Superfund sites; children who ingest dust from floors or soil [1][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose tar‑free/asphalt‑based sealants; avoid skin contact with coal‑tar products; reduce indoor dust (wet mopping, HEPA vacuum); wash hands often; at work, use ventilation, gloves, and follow safety guidance [1][3][6].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Coal Tar and Coal-Tar Pitch. U.S. DHHS. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp33.pdf
- [2]U.S. EPA. CompTox Chemicals Dashboard: Carbazole (CASRN 86-74-8). https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/chemical/details/DTXSID4020667
- [3]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Creosote. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=63&tid=18
- [4]U.S. EPA. Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values (PPRTV) for Carbazole (CASRN 86-74-8).
- [5]IARC. Agents Classified by the IARC Monographs—Carbazole (Group 3). https://monographs.iarc.who.int/agents-classified-by-the-iarc/
- [6]NJ Dept. of Health. Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Carbazole. https://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0339.pdf