Completed
The term ‘creosote’ refers to a range of chemical mixtures obtained by the high-temperature processing of wood or coal. There are essentially two types of creosote: one derived from the distillation of coal tar (coal tar creosote) and the other from wood tar (wood creosote).
Creosotes and related complex chemical mixtures containing phenols and cresols are used in agriculture for the protection of timber and timber structures against attack from insect pests and from fungal decay. Creosote was also previously used in Australia as a veterinary treatment of lameness in horses.In October 2004, the NDPSC reviewed the safety of creosotes and their scheduling. The result of that review was that creosote derived from coal and beechwood was rescheduled and placed in schedule 7 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons, based on concerns about carcinogenicity. Further information on the NDPSC decision is in the NDPSC record of reasons, 38th meeting (external site) and the NDPSC record of reasons 42nd meeting (external site).
Work Plan
The term ‘creosote’ refers to a range of chemical mixtures obtained by the high-temperature processing of wood or coal. There are essentially two types of creosote: one derived from the distillation of coal tar (coal tar creosote) and the other from wood tar (wood creosote).
Creosotes and related complex chemical mixtures containing phenols and cresols are used in agriculture for the protection of timber and timber structures against attack from insect pests and from fungal decay. Creosote was also previously used in Australia as a veterinary treatment of lameness in horses.In October 2004, the NDPSC reviewed the safety of creosotes and their scheduling. The result of that review was that creosote derived from coal and beechwood was rescheduled and placed in schedule 7 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons, based on concerns about carcinogenicity. Further information on the NDPSC decision is in the NDPSC record of reasons, 38th meeting (external site) and the NDPSC record of reasons 42nd meeting (external site).
Creosote
1. Nomination
Completed
1. Nomination
Phase status: Completed
In October 2004, the National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee (NDPSC) reviewed the safety of creosotes and their scheduling. As a result, creosote derived from coal and beechwood was rescheduled and placed in schedule 7 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons based on concerns about carcinogenicity.
2. Prioritisation
Completed
2. Prioritisation
Phase status: Completed
3. Scoping and work plan
Completed
3. Scoping and work plan
Phase status: Completed
4. Notice of reconsideration
Completed
4. Notice of reconsideration
Phase status: Completed
5. Assessment
Completed
5. Assessment
Phase status: Completed
6. Proposed regulatory decision
Completed
6. Proposed regulatory decision
Phase status: Completed
As a result of the rescheduling, creosote products used for the treatment of timber can no longer be supplied for use around the home. Products are restricted to use in agricultural, industrial and commercial situations. The APVMA reassessed the labelling of all the creosote products that were registered in 2004. Many of the products were voluntarily withdrawn from the market following the rescheduling decision.
7. Consultation
Completed
7. Consultation
Phase status: Completed
8. Final regulatory decision
Completed
8. Final regulatory decision
Phase status: Completed
Creosote product labels have been updated to contain all the required statements and safety information. The statement ‘DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IN THE HOME GARDEN’ is required on creosote product labels.
The human health concerns have therefore been addressed by the rescheduling decision, the restriction on where the product can be used, and the label update.