Coal tar is a by-product of the distillation of coal. The primary use of coal tar is in the production of refined chemicals and coal tar products such as creosote, used in the preservation of wood. The steel industry also uses coal tar as a fuel.
Coal tar products are used in prescription and over-the-counter products including creams, ointments, pastes, lotions, bath and body oils, shampoos, soaps, and in gels used to treat eczema,
psoriasis, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and other
skin disorders.
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Science, coal tar has been associated with increased
lung cancer among roofers and asphalt workers, as well as skin and scrotum cancer among workers who distill coal.
See your doctor if you have experienced serious health problems because of coal tar exposure. In addition, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Toxic & Hazardous Substances
- Cancer