EPA 8270

Creosote – A Chemical Mixture Produced from Wildfires

Creosote – A Chemical Mixture Produced from Wildfires

Creosote, an oily residue that forms from unburned wood gases, is often known for its use in railroad ties and utility poles as a preservative. However, this is not the only place creosote can be found. The heat and low oxygen conditions in a wildfire cause the breakdown of lignin, a complex organic polymer found…