What is creosote and how is it used?
Creosote is a wood preservative used for commercial purposes only; it has no registered residential uses. Creosote is obtained from high temperature distillation of coal tar (itself a mixture of hundreds of organic substances). Over 100 components in creosote have been identified. It is used as a fungicide, insecticide, miticide, and sporicide to protect wood and is applied by pressure methods to wood products, primarily utility poles and railroad ties. This treated wood is intended for exterior/outdoor uses only. Its commercial uses include railroad ties (70%), utility poles (15-20%), and other miscellaneous commercial uses (10-15%).
