Can creosote cause cancer?
The European Union (EU) had concerns over the carcinogenic potential of creosote and coal tar creosote for some time. In 1994, to control the specification of the creosote in amateur products, they restricted the levels of one of the chemicals in amateur creosote products, benzo-alpha-pyrene. Since then a further study led the EU to conclude that creosote has a greater potential to cause cancer than previously thought. As a precautionary measure to protect human health and the environment the EU prohibited the amateur use of creosote products and to restrict the use of creosote treated wood. Any risk of cancer to members of the public is likely to be extremely small.
