Is Creosote Banned In Australia? As a result of the rescheduling, creosote products used for the treatment of timber can no longer be supplied for use around the home. Products are restricted to use in agricultural, industrial and commercial situations. The APVMA reassessed the labelling of all the creosote products that were registered in 2004.

Is creosote still legal to use? Creosote expiry dates postponed The active creosote has had its approval expiry date postponed until 24 July 2023. This means that many of the product authorisations will now end on 31 October 2023. The authorisations for many creosote-containing products were due to expire on 29 March 2021.

Can you still buy creosote? Traditional Creosote can only be sold to Professional Users. However, the product is still available for sale to trades-people. This means the traditional user such as the agricultural community, builders, etc. are still able to purchase Coal Tar Creosote, providing they do not resell to the general householder.

What can I use instead of creosote? Our approved creosote substitute ‘WOCO Creocote’ is a spirit oil-based, effective treatment for exterior wood. It has been developed as a safer (for the user) alternative to original creosote. It is still designed to be used to protect wood against rotting fungi and wood destroying insects on external timbers.





When did they stop using creosote?

Creosote, derived from coal tar, is widely used on utility poles, railroad ties and marine bulkheads. It is considered carcinogenic in high quantities, according to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The ban on the sale, manufacture or use of creosote would begin on Jan. 1, 2005.

Is the smell of creosote harmful?

Breathing the creosote fumes given off by creosote-treated wood can cause asthma and other respiratory ailments, as well as stomach pain and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, according to researchers from the UCLA Labor Occupational Safety & Health Program.

Is creosote substitute harmful?

The danger arises from skin contact which has been found to increase the risk of developing cancer. The reason it is permitted for use in professional/industrial situations is that regulations can be applied and training can be given and penalties applied if these are not adhered to.

What’s the difference between creosote and Creocote?

Creocote is an oil-based, effective treatment for exterior wood developed as a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to Creosote. It can be used to protect wood against rotting fungi and wood destroying insects on external timbers.

Is creosote the best preservative?

What is Creosote? Coal tar creosote has been in use for over 150 years and has traditionally been used as a preservative for timber products as it deters wood-destroying insects and wood-rotting fungi better than any other wood preservative on the market.

Can I use creosote on decking?

I tend to use a creosote substitute for framework and a better quality cuprinol/ronseal for the decking. You could experiment mixing some decking oil in to the solvent based stain. As for application, spraying is messy and the mist covers everything, plants, windows, grass and you.

How long does creosote last on fence?

They estimate they will last up to 35 years, as compared to untreated wood, at 5 years. The useful life of a creosote-treated utility pole exceeds 75 years.

What colour is creosote?

Coal-tar creosote is greenish-brown liquid, with different degrees of darkness, viscosity, and fluorescence depending on how it is made.

Is creosote harmful to humans?

Exposure to creosotes, coal tar, coal tar pitch, or coal tar pitch volatiles may be harmful to your health. Eating food or drinking water contaminated with a high level of these compounds may cause a burning in the mouth and throat as well as stomach pain.

Is creosote toxic to humans?

Creosote is Toxic While some are simply irritating, other effects can be severe. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with creosote exposure: Irritated Skin – If you come into physical contact with creosote, you may notice rashes or other reactions.

Is creosote lumber toxic?

However, the wood in these former outdoor fixtures may pose hidden dangers if it was treated with the common chemical preservative known as creosote. In fact, wood that has been treated with creosote can give off toxic fumes for decades.

What happens if you breathe in creosote?

According to the National Institutes of Health, breathing creosote fumes can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract, which can cause coughing and shortness of breath. People exposed to creosote emissions also have experienced skin irritations that include redness, burning sensations, and rashes.

Is it OK to burn creosote wood?

Creosote is nothing more than a condensation of small, unburned particles contained in the smoke that coats the chimney surface as it exits. The creosote will stick to the sides of the chimney and can ignite, causing a chimney fire. It’s best not to burn green wood in your fireplace if you can avoid it.

Is creosote safe when dry?

May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. This material should not be allowed into drains, sewers or other water courses. In the wet state harmful to animals and plants but once dry (48 hours) product is not considered unsafe.

Can you put creosote on painted fence?

Creosote for fences The good news is that there is a safer more environmentally version called ‘Creocote’. This Creosote substitute is perfect for use on sheds and fences and is available in light and dark shades of brown.

Can you use creosote on garden furniture?

One of the most effective ways of protecting any kind of exterior wooden surface, including sheds, fences and furniture, is creosote. This oil-based, wood-friendly treatment is designed to offer high-quality resistance against a wide range of potential hazards.

Does creosote leach into vegetables?

Is this true? Can the creosote that is used to treat the ties leach into the soil and harm the vegetables? Yes, creosote does leach out of the ties and into the soil, but worn-out ties are generally not a problem, because most of their creosote has already leached away.

Is creosote flammable?

Creosote itself can be extremely flammable, and bits of wood and paper can get stuck in it as well, which are also very flammable. A chimney fire can not only destroy your chimney, but can turn in an even more destructive house fire.

Can creosote be sprayed?

If it’s solid panels e.g. no visible gaps, you could probably spray the larger part of it, but creosote type stuff can and does kill greenery, so where the spray falls (other than on the wood) be prepared for any plants or grass it touches to die off.

What is creosote remover made of?

A good creosote remover to use at least a few times a year is a mix of 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap and 4 cups of hot water.