Creosote in old timber

[Yvonne Holgersson]

Probably have creosote-treated timber in the log walls of the house. Discovered this now as we are renovating. It's black and smells like tar. The house was built in the 1930s. My question now is - how long is it considered toxic? Can it remain if we build it in? Or must the creosote be removed from the timber...?

 

[prototypen]

Could be tar.
Tar was produced at every homestead in the 30s, but creosote might have had to be BOUGHT.

Anyway, maybe someone else will come up with a solution.
Protte

 

[Yvonne Holgersson]

Yes, one hopes that it's just tar...
Considering sending samples for analysis, so one can find out what it is.

 

[imported_Benno]

Coal tar is not healthy either. The toxicity is not likely to decrease much, but it may not emit as much into the air as when it was new. Avoid touching without protection as it penetrates the skin.

 

[Isakare]

Now I can't describe the smell, but creosote doesn't smell like tar.

 

[Yvonne Holgersson]

This is what some walls look like…
Not sure what the black stuff is. If it's creosote or not. What do you think?

 

[sten.lundstrom]

Yes, one hopes that it is only tar...
Considering sending a sample for analysis, so one knows what it is.

What happened, did you do the analysis? Or did you take any other actions?

 

[Byggnadsvårdarn]

What happened, did you do an analysis? Or did you take any other actions?

This is how some walls look...
Unsure what the black stuff is. If it is creosote or not. What do you think?

Since creosote is carcinogenic and often black (and found in some tar), it is wise to take a sample.