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CAS 8001-58-9

Creosote

PesticidesCarcinogen

Creosote is a toxic, tar-like mixture made from coal tar and used to preserve wood (railroad ties, utility poles). It contains many harmful chemicals, including PAHs; long-term exposure can harm skin and organs and raise cancer risk [1][2][3].

Where It Comes From

Industrial wood treatment with coal-tar creosote; leaks/spills at plants; treated wood in the environment [1][2].

How You Are Exposed

Touching or cutting treated wood; breathing fumes; contact with contaminated soil/water; smoke from burning treated wood; eating contaminated fish/shellfish near polluted sites [1][2].

Why It Matters

Causes skin/eye burns, irritation, and light sensitivity; can damage liver, kidneys, and nerves; linked to skin and scrotal cancers; coal-tar exposures also linked to lung cancer [1][3].

Who Is at Risk

Wood-preserving workers; people handling railroad ties/utility poles; roofers/asphalt workers; residents near treatment plants; children and pregnant people may be more vulnerable [1][2].

How to Lower Your Exposure

Avoid skin contact; don’t burn or use treated wood indoors, in gardens, or on playsets; wear gloves/long sleeves and wash up; follow fish advisories; test private wells near known sites [1][2].

References

  1. [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Creosote (Coal tar creosote; Coal tar; Coal tar pitch). https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=63
  2. [2]EPA. Creosote—Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Fact Sheet. https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/creosote
  3. [3]NTP. Report on Carcinogens: Coal Tars and Coal-Tar Pitches (Known to be human carcinogens). https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/roc/indices/c

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