Carbolineum is a tar-based wood preservative that poses several toxicity and safety risks to humans and animals. Its use is regulated or restricted in many regions due to these health hazards and its classification as a carcinogen.
Known side effects and safety concerns include:
- Carcinogenicity: All coal tar products, including carbolineum, are classified as carcinogenic—meaning they can cause cancer with prolonged or significant exposure[2][4][7].
- Acute toxicity: Harmful if swallowed. May lead to poisoning symptoms if ingested[7].
- Skin and eye irritation: Corrosive to skin and eyes. Direct contact can cause burns, severe irritation, eczema, or allergic skin reactions, and may risk blindness in the case of eye exposure[3][5].
- Respiratory hazards: Inhalation of vapours or mists can result in headache, nausea, dizziness, intoxication, irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs, or more serious chronic damage such as central nervous system depression or permanent brain/nervous system damage with prolonged occupational exposure[3][5].
- Allergic reactions: May cause skin or respiratory sensitization (allergic response) with repeated or prolonged contact[3][5].
- Environmental toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic life; releases should be avoided to prevent environmental harm[7].
- Other safety precautions: Emits a strong odour for weeks after application. The product is flammable and should not be used on areas involved with food, drinking water, living spaces, animal shelters, or children’s play areas[2][4][8].
Handling and exposure prevention:
- Always use personal protective equipment when handling.
- Only use in well-ventilated areas.
- Store locked up and keep out of reach of children.
- Do not use on surfaces where skin contact is likely, or in or around homes, stables, or playscapes.
- Follow all product-specific safety data and label instructions strictly.
References
- [1] Carbinoxamine (Karbinal ER, Clistin): Uses, Side Effects, … – WebMD
- [2] Carbolineum – Speccoats
- [3] GHS SDS – Carboline
- [4] Carbolineum Health & Safety – Autospec
- [5] Material Safety Data Sheet – Carboline
- [6] Safety Data Sheet – Haenseler
- [7] Safety Data Sheet Powafix Carbolineum
- [8] Creosote/Carbolineum – a.b.e. Construction Chemicals
Leave a Reply