Creosote is a mixture of oils extracted from coal or wood tars that is heavier than water. It has a variety of uses including treatment of wood products to resist environmental damage. It is now recognized as a hazardous material that is potentially carcinogenic.
Risk factors for chronic exposure to creosote:
(1) working at a chemical plant processing coal or wood tar
(2) handling and transporting creosote
(3) working in a wood preserving facility
(4) hazardous area with ground contaminated with creosote
(5) living near a site producing or using creosote
(6) exposed to wood treated with creosote (fences, telephone pole, railroad tie)
(7) living in a house made of wood treated with creosote
(8) drinking water contaminated with creososte
(9) eating fish or shellfish exposed to creosote
(10) exposed to a medical product containing creosote
(11) chimney cleaning
