Coal tar creosote is a chemical mixture used industrially as a wood preservative.  Often applied to wooden railroad ties or telephone poles, creosote presents a potentially serious health risk to those exposed to it. The most common means of creosote exposure include touching creosote or a creosote-treated product, ingesting creosote, and inhaling creosote vapors.

Risk Factors

Persons that produce creosote, apply creosote to products, or use products containing creosote face a higher risk of creosote exposure:

• Tar or Creosote Production Workers—workers that produce aluminum, asphalt, iron, rubber, steel and tires;
• Creosote Application Workers—workers that use, inspect or maintain creosote-treated wood, such as those found on wooden bridges, fences, railroad ties, and telephone poles;

Additionally, residents who live near coal tar production sites or hazardous wastes sites may also be exposed to cresote poisoning.

Health Problems

Cresote exposure causes a wide range of health problems.  The severity depends on both the duration and intensity of the exposure.  Mild exposure to creosote can result in skin rashes or eye irritation.  However, prolonged or severe exposure can lead to loss of consciousness, involuntary convulsions, skin or scrotum cancer, kidney and liver problems, and even death.

To preserve your legal rights if you have experienced any illnesses associated with creosote exposure, contact an experienced attorney who has handled creosote exposure claims.

If you or a loved one has questions concerning creosote, please call McGartland & Borchardt, LLP at 817-332-9300.  We handle creosote exposure cases and offer a free consultation to review your legal options.