The Risks of Creosote Exposure
Unseen and often underestimated, the dangers of handling toxic substances at work can turn a routine task into a life-changing, health risk. One of these substances, creosote, not only poses a major fire hazard, but also significant health risks for workers involved in chimney maintenance and wood protection industries.
Creosote is a complex mixture of chemicals formed from the distillation of coal or wood tar. It’s commonly used as a preservative for wooden structures, against attack from insect pests and from fungal decay.
While its ability to protect wood remains widely known, prolonged exposure to creosote at work can have serious consequences (especially on the respiratory system and skin). Creosote also naturally forms within the inner walls of chimneys, when burning wood.
In a recent development, a Louisiana judge has approved a whooping sum of $3.5 million as settlement, in a case involving creosote contamination in the town of St. Gabriel. This settlement involved claims against a chemical company accused of polluting the area with hazardous creosote waste, affecting residents in the area and posing a serious threat to the environment.
The agreement provides financial compensation to the affected residents, while also funding an environmental cleanup/recovery initiative. This case, involving creosote contamination, highlights ongoing concerns about the health and environmental impacts of creosote exposure.
Here, we’ll examine the dangers of long-term creosote exposure, its impact on respiratory health, and how to protect your workers from the adverse effects of this chemical.
Related Article: 10 Reasons To Prioritize Workplace Respiratory Protection Programs in 2024.
Related Article: Chemical Hazards Leave Plant Facing $292K In Fines.
Understanding Creosote
Creosote is the term used to describe compounds derived from a mixture of several chemicals. Creosote is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of wood or tar, a brownish-yellow to black oily liquid, that does not dissolve in water easily. It has a peculiar smoky, gasoline-like smell, and a bitter, burning taste.
When inhaled, creosote vapors can cause severe irritations in the respiratory tract, leading to immediate symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Apart from being dangerous to humans, it is also harmful to aquatic life and ultimately poses a severe risk to the environment.
Creosote Buildup In Chimneys
Creosote buildup in chimneys raises a very significant occupational health concern, due to its highly flammable nature (leading to potentially dangerous fires) and its adverse effects on respiratory health. It forms when contaminated wood (consisting of soot, tar, and various chemical compounds), is burned and condenses on the chimney walls, as the smoke the cools.
It forms in three stages:
– Stage 1 is a dust-like soot that is relatively easy to remove;
– Stage 2 appears as chunky tar flakes that can restrict airflow; and
– Finally, stage 3 forms into a thick, sticky tar-like substance that poses the greatest fire risk and respiratory hazard, and becomes difficult to remove without professional help.
Regular chimney inspections and cleanings are vital in preventing creosote accumulation, as neglect can lead to chimney fires that can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Such fires can damage the chimney structure, along with posing serious safety hazards to occupants and workers. Inhaling creosote vapors is also hazardous to health and can lead to several respiratory conditions.
Short-Term Respiratory Effects of Exposure
Acute exposure to creosote can cause immediate respiratory problems.
The chemicals in creosote can potentially irritate the nose, mouth, throat, and lungs, causing discomfort and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, inhaling or ingesting large amounts of creosote can lead to poisoning, convulsions, and even death, in severe cases.
Long-Term Respiratory Consequences of Creosote Exposure
Long-term exposure to vapors can have more severe and lasting effects on the lungs and airways. Workers exposed to creosote by cleaning chimneys have also been shown to have a higher risk of skin cancer.
Prolonged inhalation of creosote can lead to:
– Persistent coughing and wheezing: Prolonged exposure can worsen respiratory symptoms, making them more frequent and severe.
– Chronic bronchitis: Persistent creosote exposure has been linked to the development of chronic bronchitis- a condition that is characterized by persistent cough and mucus production.
– Asthma: Creosote vapors can trigger asthmatic attacks, such as wheezing and chest tightness, in individuals with pre-existing asthma. Long-term exposure can also lead to the development of occupational asthma.
– Irreversible lung damage: Prolonged inhalation of creosote can lead to permanent scarring and damage to lung tissue, resulting in conditions like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
Potential of Creosote to Cause Cancer
One of the most concerning long-term effects of exposure to creosote is its potential to cause several types of cancer. These include cancer of the respiratory tract, skin, lung, pancreas, kidney, scrotum, prostate, rectum, bladder, and central nervous system.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that coal-tar derived creosote is likely carcinogenic to humans.
Prolonged exposure, particularly through inhalation or skin contact, may increase the risk of developing lung, skin, and other types of cancer.
Risk of Creosote Exposure at Work
Employees in certain industries, such as wood treatment facilities, cleaning/maintenance and construction, are at a higher risk of exposure.
Improper handling, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), and inadequate ventilation systems can lead to significant exposure to this chemical, putting workers’ respiratory health and safety at risk.
Minimizing Occupational Exposure to Creosote
To protect workers and reduce the risk of respiratory problems, it is important to implement proper safety measures.
Here are 5 tips to help protect your workers:
– Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Make use of respirators, gloves, and protective clothing to minimize direct contact and inhalation of vapors. PPE should also be used regularly and correctly.
– Ensure Adequate Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas or use local exhaust ventilation to reduce the concentration of airborne creosote. Also, the air-quality should be monitored routinely to ensure a safe environment.
– Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water after handling creosote, as well as before eating, drinking, or touching the face.
– Properly Store and Dispose of Creosote: Store creosote in air-tight containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. And, always dispose of it according to local regulations.
– Burn only Dry and Seasoned Wood: To minimize creosote formation in chimneys, it is crucial to burn only dry, seasoned wood, maintain adequate airflow, and ensure proper chimney insulation. This helps to keep flue temperatures high, reducing condensation and buildup.
– See OSHA’s publication on Coal Tar Pitch Volatiles.
– See CDC’s Public Health Statement on Creosote.
– View EPA’s publication on Steps in Complying with Regulations for Hazardous Waste.
Seeking Medical Attention
If you suspect that you or your colleagues have been exposed to creosote, it is essential to seek medical attention. Inform your physician or on-site medical personnel about the symptoms, the duration of exposure, and the mode of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact).
Early detection and treatment can help reduce the symptoms and consequences of creosote exposure.
Bringing It Together
Long-term exposure to creosote poses a significant threat to respiratory health, potentially leading to chronic respiratory issues and an increased risk of cancer.
Employers and workers must adhere to safety protocols such as using PPE, ensuring proper ventilation, and following safe handling and disposal practices, to reduce exposure to this toxic substance.
By raising awareness and implementing effective control measures, you can protect workers from the dangers of creosote exposure, safeguard their respiratory well-being and protect the environment from chemical pollution.
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