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Safety With Creosote

Creosote is a common carbon product created when biomatter is burned. It is found in a variety of materials and sometimes it is even used to give materials extra protection and durability. Creosote is also a dangerous substance, and it can have both long- and short-term effects on the body, affecting health negatively for those who breathe it in or absorb it through their skin. There are regulations in place for working with creosote in some environments.

  1. Definition

    • Creosotes are essentially leftover substances carried by smoke when carbon materials, like wood and oil, are burned. Every type of creosote is different, made out of the different tars and resins of the substance being burnt--wood produces wood creosote and coal tars are produced when coal or natural gas is burned. Exposure can cause burning in the mouth and stomach, and ingestion can cause damage to the kidney, liver, lungs and brain. High amounts of creosote can also damage the skin and eyes.

    Workplace Safety

    • In workplaces, workers are exposed to creosote when it is used to treat timbers (such as railroad ties) or when coal and other materials are being mined. OSHA, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has set a limit of 0.2 mg of coal tar creosote per cubic meter of air during an eight-hour work day. If any creosote in excess of 1 lb. is accidentally released, it must be reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Workers exposed to creosote should shower before they go home.

    First Aid

    • If creosote falls on skin, it should be rinsed off with soap and water. If creosote gets in the eyes, a patient should not rub his eyes, but wash them with large amounts of cool water. If creosote is inhaled, the patient should move from the spot where creosote is present and possibly seek oxygen or another type of aid. If creosote is ingested, the patient can only rinse his mouth and seek aid if any symptoms appear.

    Fireplace Safety

    • Wood creosote presents several dangers to residential areas. When the creosote coats the insides of chimneys, it make it much more likely that the chimney will catch fire. Creosote burns hot, and can easily destroy a building if it burns unchecked. Chimneys should regularly cleaned if they are wood burning, to ensure proper chimney safety.

    Residential Safety

    • If families live in areas that have been affected by a nearby wood or coal plant, they should take precautions to keep from absorbing creosote outdoors. When playing outside, they should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to prevent creosote from being absorbed into their skin. People should not play in water that comes from these areas.

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