Coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPVs) are composed of various
chemical vapors that become airborne during the heating of coal tar pitch. Coal
tar pitch is a black or dark-brown amorphous residue produced by the
distillation or heat treatment of coal tar. It is a solid at room temperature
and exhibits a broad softening range instead of a defined melting temperature.
Synonyms for CTPVs vary depending upon the specific compound (e.g., pyrene,
phenanthrene, acridine, chrysene, anthracene and benzo(a)pyrene). [Note: National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) considers coal tar, coal
tar pitch, and creosote to be coal tar products.]
The following questions link
to information relevant to coal tar pitch volatiles in the workplace.
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