Lexi Webster
Creosote is a chemical mixture obtained through the high-temperature processing of wood or coal. It has been commonly used in agriculture to protect timber structures from insect pests and fungal decay. In October 2004, the National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee (NDPSC) in Australia reviewed the safety of creosote due to concerns about its potential carcinogenic effects. As a result of this review, creosote derived from coal and beechwood was rescheduled and placed in Schedule 7 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons. This has led to updated labelling requirements, including the statement DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IN THE HOME GARDEN on creosote product labels. With the restriction and rescheduling of creosote in Australia, the focus now shifts towards exploring alternative products for timber protection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is creosote | A range of chemical mixtures obtained by the high-temperature processing of wood or coal |
| Types | Coal tar creosote and wood creosote |
| Uses | Protection of timber and timber structures against insect pests and fungal decay; previously used as a veterinary treatment of lameness in horses |
| Safety | Concerns about carcinogenicity; labels must contain the statement "DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IN THE HOME GARDEN" |
| Availability | Removed from the general market |
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What You'll Learn
Creosote is a carcinogen
Creosote is a complex chemical mixture containing phenols and cresols. It is obtained through the high-temperature processing of wood or coal. There are two main types of creosote: coal tar creosote, derived from the distillation of coal tar, and wood creosote, derived from wood tar. Creosote has been commonly used in agriculture to protect timber structures from insect pests and fungal decay. It has also been used as a veterinary treatment for lameness in horses.
However, creosote has been identified as a carcinogen, posing risks to human health. In recognition of these risks, the National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee (NDPSC) in Australia reviewed the safety of creosote in October 2004. As a result of this review, creosote derived from coal and beechwood was rescheduled and placed in Schedule 7 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons. This rescheduling reflects the serious concerns regarding the carcinogenic nature of creosote.
To address these concerns, Australian authorities have taken several measures to control the use of creosote. Firstly, product labels for creosote now feature enhanced safety information, including a prominent statement instructing against its use in home gardens. These labels aim to raise awareness among consumers about the hazards of creosote and prevent its misuse in domestic settings. Secondly, sales of treated wood, which often involves the use of creosote as a preservative, are expected to be banned in the near future. This proactive step further limits the accessibility and use of creosote-treated products by the general public.
The regulatory actions taken by Australia demonstrate a proactive approach to mitigating the risks associated with creosote exposure. By reclassifying creosote as a carcinogen and implementing stricter controls, Australia is prioritizing the protection of public health and the environment. These measures also encourage the exploration and adoption of safer alternatives to creosote for timber treatment and other applications. Overall, the recognition of creosote as a carcinogen has triggered a series of necessary interventions to minimize potential harm.
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Creosote's use in agriculture
Creosote is a wood preservative that has been used since the mid-1800s. It is derived from the distillation of tar from wood or coal. Creosote helps protect wood from termites, fungi, mites, insects, and decay. It is commonly applied to railroad ties, utility poles, and other outdoor wooden structures, such as bridgework, through a pressure process under the supervision of a licensed applicator certified by the State Departments of Agriculture.
The two main types of creosote recognised in industry are coal-tar creosote and wood-tar creosote. The coal-tar variety, with its stronger and more toxic properties, has been used as a preservative for wood. It was also used in medicine to burn malignant skin tissue and to prevent necrosis before its carcinogenic properties were discovered. Coal-tar creosote is a fungicide, insecticide, and sporicide. Wood-tar creosote, on the other hand, is used for its guaiacol and creosol content, which are effective in preserving meat without tissue denaturation.
Creosote-treated wood products, such as foundation and marine pilings, lumber, posts, railroad ties, timbers, and utility poles, are manufactured under strict guidelines. The EPA-approved label for the use of creosote does not allow for brush-on, spray, or non-pressure applications. It also prohibits mixing creosote with other "creosote-type" materials, such as lignite-tar creosote, oil-tar creosote, and peat-tar creosote.
While creosote is effective in preserving wood, it poses health and environmental risks. Creosote has been associated with cancer and non-cancer health risks for workers in wood treatment facilities. Additionally, when creosote-treated wood is used in aquatic structures, it may pose risks to fish and invertebrates. Proper management and disposal of creosote-treated wood are essential to avoid the inhalation of toxic chemicals.
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Creosote's use in veterinary treatments
Creosote is a toxic substance that can cause tissue damage, liver injury, or nerve damage. It is particularly harmful to dogs, who may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, and faster breathing if exposed. Due to its toxicity, creosote has been reviewed by the National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee (NDPSC) in Australia, resulting in usage restrictions.
Historically, creosote was used in Australia as a veterinary treatment for lameness in horses. The active ingredient in creosote, phenol, can cause irritation and potential carcinogenic effects. As a result of the NDPSC review in October 2004, creosote derived from coal and beechwood was rescheduled and placed in Schedule 7 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons. This rescheduling restricted creosote products to agricultural, industrial, and commercial applications, prohibiting their use in home gardens.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) reassessed the labelling of creosote products registered in 2004, and many were voluntarily withdrawn from the market. Today, creosote products must bear the statement, "DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IN THE HOME GARDEN."
While creosote has been used in veterinary treatments for lameness in horses, it is essential to recognise its potential health risks. Creosote poisoning in dogs, for example, can be treated by thoroughly cleaning the affected areas to prevent further ingestion, such as by using WD40 to clean paws. Pepto Bismol can also be administered as a home remedy to alleviate symptoms. In any suspected case of creosote poisoning, it is strongly recommended to seek professional veterinary advice as soon as possible.
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Creosote product labels
Creosote is a coal tar product that contains varying amounts of mutagenic and carcinogenic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and benzene. Due to its toxic effects, especially against aquatic organisms, the use of creosote has been restricted or banned in some countries.
In the context of product labels, it is important to provide clear and accurate information about the contents and potential hazards associated with creosote. Here are some key considerations for creosote product labels:
Product Name and Description:
Clearly state the product name as "Creosote" and provide a brief description, such as “Coal Tar Creosote” or "Wood-Tar Creosote," to distinguish it from other types of creosote.
Ingredients and Composition:
List the ingredients and their proportions, including substances from the six groups that are typically found in commercial creosote. Mention the presence of tar acids, phenols, cresols, xylenols, carbolic acid, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Provide specific ranges or percentages for each group of substances, as they may vary based on the quality of tar and temperatures used during production.
Hazard Warnings and Precautions:
Prominently display hazard warnings on the label, highlighting the potential health and environmental risks associated with creosote. Include statements such as "Caution: Contains Carcinogenic Substances" or "Toxic to Aquatic Life." Provide instructions for safe handling, storage, and disposal of the product, including any regulatory requirements or restrictions imposed by authorities.
Application and Use Instructions:
Clearly specify the intended use of the product, such as "For Professional Wood Preservation Only." Outline the approved application methods, emphasizing that only pressure processes under the supervision of licensed applicators are permitted. State any restrictions on brush-on, spray, or non-pressure uses, as per EPA guidelines or similar regulatory bodies in the relevant country or region.
Compatibility and Mixing Instructions:
Provide information on the compatibility of creosote with other materials. State any restrictions on mixing creosote with other types of creosote materials, such as lignite-tar creosote, oil-tar creosote, or peat-tar creosote, unless specifically allowed by relevant standards (e.g., AWPA Standard P3).
By including these details on creosote product labels, users will have access to critical information about the contents, hazards, and proper use of the product, enabling them to make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions during handling and application.
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Creosote alternatives
Creosote is a well-established product used as a wood preservative and treatment to protect the material against mites, termites, fungi, and other pests. However, due to health and environmental concerns, it has been banned in several places, including parts of the EU and Australia.
Barrettine Wood Preserver
Barrettine Wood Preserver is a deeply penetrating spirit-based formula that provides a full spectrum of preservation to wood. It is available in dark brown or black and can be deepened in colour with additional applications.
CreoSOLVE
CreoSOLVE is an environmentally friendly substitute for traditional creosote. It does not carry a 'Suspected of causing cancer' warning like some other creosote alternatives, and it can also be deepened in colour with additional coats.
Densiforce®
Densiforce® is an eco-friendly alternative to creosote, protecting softwood against rot while being kinder to the environment. The wood used in Densiforce® comes from a slower-growing source, resulting in firmer wood. The controlled drying process and impregnation to saturation development lead to a long lifespan of over 20 years for softwood fences.
Dura2
Dura2 is a popular alternative to creosote that has been used in France since the ban in 2019. It matches the look and performance of creosote-treated posts but is more sustainable due to its long lifespan of over 20 years. Dura2 uses Tanalith® E wood preservative, passing all relevant environmental, human health, and animal health risk assessments.
Creoseal
Creoseal is an oil-based wood treatment suitable for exterior timber, such as fences and garden sheds. It is available in various package sizes, including 4-litre, 20-litre, and 25-litre cans, as well as bulk options of 205 litres and 4x25 litres.
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Frequently asked questions
Creosote refers to a range of chemical mixtures obtained by the high-temperature processing of wood or coal. There are two main types of creosote: coal tar creosote and wood creosote.
Creosote has been removed from the general market in Australia. In October 2004, the National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee (NDPSC) reviewed the safety of creosotes and their scheduling. The result of that review was that creosote derived from coal and beechwood was rescheduled and placed in Schedule 7 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons, based on concerns about carcinogenicity.
Creosote was used in agriculture for the protection of timber and timber structures against insect pests and fungal decay. It was also previously used in Australia as a veterinary treatment for lameness in horses.
Yes, creosote product labels in Australia have been updated to contain all the required statements and safety information. A statement on the labels reads: "DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IN THE HOME GARDEN".
