| Agent Name |
Coal tar |
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| CAS Number |
8007-45-2 |
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| Major Category |
Other Chemicals |
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| Synonyms |
Carbo-cort; Coal tar extract; Coal tar ointment; Coal tar solution USP; Coal tars; Coke-oven tar; Coking tar; Crude coal tar; Estar (skin treatment); Impervotar; KC 261; Lavatar; Picis carbonis; Pixalbol; Polytar bath; RT 7 (coal tar); Tar, coal; Tar, coking; Tarcron 180; Tarcron 180L; Tarcron 230; Zetar; [ChemIDplus] |
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| Category |
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
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| Description |
Brownish to black, thick liquid/semisolid substance with naphthalene-like odor; [HSDB] 0-2% benzene, toluene, & xylene; 16-18% phenols, cresols, & naphthalene; 8-10% naphthalene derivatives; 16-20% anthracene oils; and 50% pitch; [CHEMINFO MSDS] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used in surface coatings and sealants (walls, insulation, pipes, roofs, and roads); Used to produce plastics, solvents, dyes, and drugs for psoriasis; Used as a fuel in open hearth furnaces in the steel industry; [HSDB] |
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| Comments |
May cause first degree burns after short exposure and second degree burns after longer contact; [CHRIS] NIOSH considers coal tar, coal tar pitch, and creosote to be coal tar products. Wood creosote (8021-39-4) is derived from the distillation of beechwood tar; it is yellow, transparent, and chemically distinct from coal tar creosote. [ATSDR ToxProfiles] Chronic exposure to coal tar and its vapors is associated with an increased risk for cancer of the lungs, kidneys, skin, and bladder. Coal tar is a potential photosensitizer. [CHEMINFO MSDS] Coal tar creosote (8001-58-9) and Coal tar pitch volatiles 65996-93-2) are covered separately. |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
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| Explanatory Notes |
For occupational exposure limits, see "Coal tar pitch volatiles." |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
2: high ambient temperature required |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Dermatotoxin |
Contact Dermatitis, Photoirritant |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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