What is a Creosote Oil?

Creosote oil is a brown, oily liquid historically used as a wood preservative and disinfectant. It is mainly derived from wood tar or coal tar and contains a mixture of phenolic compounds such as guaiacol and cresol, which give it strong antiseptic and preservative properties. Traditionally, creosote oil has been used to treat wooden railroad ties and utility poles, protecting them from moisture and microbial decay. However, some of its components have been found to be carcinogenic, so its use is now regulated in many countries. In Japan, creosote oil is restricted from being used in medical or food applications and is primarily limited to industrial use.

※Includes information on some trading companies