Coal tar is a versatile byproduct of coke production used in construction, insulation, paint, heating, fabric dyeing, and medical treatments. It contains carcinogens but is still widely used.
Coal tar is a thick black liquid that is a byproduct of coke production. As an additional product of the cause-of-action (COA) process leading to coke production, this liquid is a versatile product in its own right. There are actually quite a few uses for this viscous liquid, ranging from construction and home repairs to medical treatments.
When it comes to construction projects, this material can be used for roofing work as a sealant under shingles. It is also an ideal way to seal the pitches in the roof, providing a watertight seal for all corners of the roofline. In addition to sealing agents, coal tar also functions as an insulating agent, working with wall insulation to help maintain a comfortable temperature inside the building, regardless of the weather outside. There are also a number of exterior paints that use this material in the finished product. The substance provides an excellent sealed surface once it dries in place; paint is much less likely to chip and peel over the years with a small amount of coal tar included in the mix.
In addition to helping keep your home well insulated and waterproof, coal tar can also help keep your space warm. Sometimes referred to as town gas, it can be used with some boilers to create heat which can then be directed to the duct system that runs throughout your home. The end result is a warm space that doesn’t have the annoying smell of many liquid heaters. Burning it, in fact, can leave a pleasant scent, due to the aromatic hydrocarbons that are part of the product itself.
Another use of this liquid has to do with making fabrics. To create fabrics that stand up to constant exposure to sunlight and retain their color, coal tar is added to the dye treatments that are given to the fabrics. For people who own draperies that are guaranteed not to fade in sunlight, it is likely that coal tar was used to treat the panels. Likewise, it can be used to treat materials intended for use such as furniture and car upholstery.
Medical applications of coal tar have been around for some time. One common use is in soaps and shampoos intended to treat head and body lice. Many shampoos formulated specifically to fight dandruff and psoriasis will contain traces of coal tar. This shampoo can also be used to treat sores on any part of the skin. Medical compounds containing this material are available over the counter and are usually not very expensive.
While there is some concern that coal tar contains traces of carcinogens, there are no immediate plans to remove products containing it from the market. Currently, organizations such as the National Psoriasis Foundation promote such products as a safe treatment for psoriasis and similar scalp conditions.
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