Health monitoring for creosote

This guide helps doctors monitor the health of workers exposed to creosote 

Creosote (CAS 8001-58-9; 8021-39-4; 8007-45-2) is the name for products that are mixtures of many chemicals. 

There are 6 main classes of compounds in creosote: 

• aromatic hydrocarbons, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylated PAHs (that can be up to 90 per cent of creosote) 

• tar acids 

• phenolics 

• cresols 

• tar bases/nitrogen-containing heterocycles 

• aromatic amines 

• sulfur-containing heterocycles 

• oxygen-containing heterocycles. 

Examples of work with creosote include using creosote-treated wood in: 

• building fences, bridges or railroad tracks 

• installing telephone poles 

• inspecting or maintain these materials. 

Others who may work with creosote include: 

• farmers and landscapers who apply coal tar creosote to wood 

• workers who apply asphalt or other coal tar pitch—containing materials 

• workers in the natural gas, rubber, aluminium, iron, steel or tyre industries. 

This guide is part of a health monitoring guide collection. 

There are also health monitoring guides for: 

• persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) 

• guide for workers 

• registered medical practitioners 

• hazardous chemicals