Contents
What kind of cancer does creosote cause?
Long-term exposure, especially thorough direct contact with skin during wood treatment or manufacture of coal tar creosote-treated products, to low levels of creosote has resulted in skin cancer and cancer of the scrotum.
Can you get cancer from creosote?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that coal tar is carcinogenic to humans and that creosote is probably carcinogenic to humans. The EPA has determined that coal tar creosote is a probable human carcinogen.
What does creosote do to humans?
These reports indicate that brief exposure to large amounts of coal tar creosote may result in a rash or severe irritation of the skin, chemical burns of the surfaces of the eye, convulsions and mental confusion, kidney or liver problems, unconsciousness, or even death.
Is creosote dangerous to breathe?
Experts say they are. Breathing the creosote fumes given off by creosote-treated wood can cause asthma and other respiratory ailments, as well as stomach pain and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, according to researchers from the UCLA Labor Occupational Safety & Health Program.
How much creosote is dangerous?
Ultimately, more than 100 pounds of creosote could build up in the chimney, creating tremendous danger in the event of a chimney fire and causing deterioration of the chimney lining.
Is creosote dangerous to your health?
According to the National Institutes of Health, breathing creosote fumes can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract, which can cause coughing and shortness of breath. People exposed to creosote emissions also have experienced skin irritations that include redness, burning sensations, and rashes.
Why is creosote banned?
Creosote, derived from coal tar, is widely used on utility poles, railroad ties and marine bulkheads. It is considered carcinogenic in high quantities, according to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The ban on the sale, manufacture or use of creosote would begin on Jan. 1, 2005.
What is wrong with creosote?
Creosote is Toxic Irritated Skin – If you come into physical contact with creosote, you may notice rashes or other reactions. Irritated Eyes – Creosote can cause sensitivity to light or even symptoms that mirror chemical burns in your eyes.
Is there any evidence that creosote is a carcinogen?
* Creosoteis a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is some evidence that it causes skin cancer in humans and it has been shown to cause skin cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard
Is it dangerous to drink water with creosote in it?
While it is effective for those uses, creosote is also a toxic substance that can be very dangerous. Inhalation of the fumes or smoke from burned creosote-treated items, drinking from a groundwater supply contaminated by creosote or ingestion or skin contact with the chemicals can cause creosote poisoning.
How does creosote affect the health of children?
Not many studies exist on health effects of creosote in children. Generally, researchers have found that children who play with creosote-contaminated soil tend to get more skin rashes than other children.
What should you do if you have skin contact with creosote?
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Creosote, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Creosote, whether or not known skin contact has occurred.