Coal Tar
Level 5 — High concernIn Winter's Dictionary
Coal Tar is a other — Used in adhesives, food preservation, synthetic flavors and dyes
What it does
Used in adhesives, food preservation, synthetic flavors and dyes
Where you'll see it
Synthetic colors for cosmetics, hair dyes
What the research says
Coal-tar derivatives cause cancer in animals; frequent source of allergic reactions, skin rashes, hives. Contains benzene, naphthalene, phenol, cresol.
Regulatory status
- Notes: #23 on CERCLA Priority List
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): The main concern about coal-tar derivatives is that they cause cancer in animals, but they are also frequent sources of allergic reactions