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Usage

Uses

Used in Construction Industry:
Coal tar is used as a binder for carbon electrodes, in the production of roofing and paving materials, and as a base for paints and coatings. Its high carbon content and adhesive properties make it suitable for these applications, providing durability and water resistance.
Used in Electrical Industry:
In the electrical industry, coal tar serves as a binder for carbon electrodes, which are essential components in various electrical applications, such as batteries and furnaces. Its ability to withstand high temperatures and maintain its structural integrity contributes to the performance and longevity of these electrodes.
Used in Chemical Industry:
Coal tar pitch, a derivative of coal tar, is used as a base for paints and coatings, providing a protective layer against corrosion and weathering. It is also used as a binder in foundry core compounds, which are crucial in the manufacturing process of metal castings.
Used in Treatment of Skin Conditions:
Coal tar has been used in the treatment of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells. Its anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties help to reduce inflammation, itching, and scaling associated with psoriasis.
Used in Manufacturing of Various Products:
Coal tar pitch is utilized in the production of fiber pipes, coal briquettes, and elastomers and polymers as a plasticizer. It also serves as an extender, saturant, impregnant, and sealant in various applications, enhancing the performance and functionality of these products.
Coal tar is also known to occur as emissions from coke ovens, during the coking of coal tar pitch, and from Soderberg aluminum reduction electrolytic cells. Occupational exposure to coal tar and coal tar pitch may occur in industries where these substances are used or produced.

Hazard

A human carcinogen. Toxic by inhalation. Combustible.

Health Hazard

Epidemiological evidence suggests that workers intimately exposed to the products of combustion or distillation of bituminous coal are at increased risk of cancer at many sites, including lungs, kidney, and skin. The chemical composition and particle size distribution of coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPV) from different sources are significant variables in determining toxicity.

Safety Profile

Confirmed carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic and neoplastigenic data by skin contact. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes.

Veterinary Drugs and Treatments

Use of coal tar containing shampoos in veterinary medicine is somewhat controversial, particularly since all veterinary-labeled products have been withdrawn from the market. However, coal tar shampoos have been used in dogs for treating greasy dermatoses (seborrhea oleosa) for many years. Coal tar possesses keratoplastic, keratolytic, vasoconstrictive, antipruritic and degreasing actions. Coal tar’s mechanism of keratoplastic (keratoregulating) action is probably secondary to decreasing mitosis and DNA synthesis of basal epidermal cells.

Carcinogenicity

The history of coal tar cancers begins with the observations of scrotal cancer in London chimney sweeps by Percivall Pott in 1777. Since that time, a large body of evidence has accumulated demonstrating that workers involved in carbonizing bituminous coal, those handling certain by-products, or those exposed by inhalation of coal tar pitch volatiles are at excess risk of scrotal and other forms of skin, respiratory, and other types of cancer. Coal tar contains many substances that can cause cancer and is a human carcinogen. The toxicity of coal tar may vary with its origin.

Waste Disposal

Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.