Why is creosote banned?

Creosote, like all wood preservatives, is comprehensively regulated as an antimicrobial pesticide by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (“FIFRA”). To be lawfully sold and used in the United States, all creosote producers (i.e., manufacturers or importers) must obtain and maintain a FIFRA registration for each of their creosote wood preservative products.

Creosote has been removed from the general market as it is considered a carcinogen. Not to mention that it is smelly, can burn your skin, and stains your clothes.

EPA has classified creosote, like other heavy-duty wood preservatives, as a restricted-use pesticide product. This means that creosote only can be sold to and used for the pressure treatment of wood by, or under the direct supervision of, certified applicators. Such applicators have been certified by state pesticide regulatory agencies after receiving special training and/or being tested on safe handling and application procedures.

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