Creosote is a mixture of oils extracted from coal or other tars that is heavier than water. Ingestion can result in acute poisoning.
Exposures may occur from:
(1) intentional ingestion
(2) accidental ingestion
(3) occupational exposure
Clinical findings in a person who ingests creosote:
(1) burning of mouth or throat with oropharyngeal ulceration
(2) abdominal pain
(3) eye irritation
(4) initial respiratory alkalosis followed by mixed acidosis
(5) seizures
(6) hypotension
(7) hypothermia
(8) methemoglobinemia
(9) multi-organ failure including renal, respiratory and hepatic failure
(10) altered mental status progressing to coma
Gastric lavage with addition of vegetable oil can reduce the amount absorbed if performed early.
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
