Type: Toxin
Name: Coal Tar, Name Brands: Denorex, Psoriasin, Benatar
RDA: 0
Importance- to Body:
Toxin: Respiratory, Skin, Treat Psoriasis on affected area, Eczema and Dandruff.
Distribution- in Body:
Skin, Respiratory System, Eyes
Excess Effects:
Skin Discoloration, Skin Irritation, Allergic Reactions, Sensitivity to Sun, Skin Cancer, Lung Cancer
Deficiency Effects:
None Listed
Food Sources:
Food Coloring
Environmental/Geographic Sources: Found in medicated (anti-dandruff) shampoo, Soaps, Ointments, Coal Tar is from the production of coke (mainly carbon) and coal gas.
Supplemental information:
Medicated, Anti-fungal, Anti-itch, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-parasitic. Considered acutely toxic when inhaled for long periods of time.
Works Cited:
“Coal Tar and Coal-Tar Pitch.” National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/coal-tar
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “Products – Hair Dyes.” U S Food and Drug Administration Home Page, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Products/ucm143066.htm
.jpg) An old advertisement for coal tar containing soap | |
| Clinical data | |
|---|---|
| Trade names | Balnetar, Cutar, others |
| Synonyms |
liquor carbonis detergens (LCD) liquor picis carbonis (LPC) |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Multum Consumer Information |
| Pregnancy category |
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| Routes of administration | Topical |
| ATC code | |
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| Identifiers | |
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Coal tar is a thick dark liquid which is a by-product of the production of coke and coal gas from coal. It has both medical and industrial uses. It may be applied to the affected area to treat psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). It may be used in combination with ultraviolet light therapy. Industrially it is a railway tie preservative and used in the surfacing of roads.
Side effects include skin irritation, sun sensitivity, allergic reactions, and skin discoloration. It is unclear if use during pregnancy is safe for the baby and use during breastfeeding is not typically recommended. The exact mechanism of action is unknown. It is a complex mixture of phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heterocyclic compounds. It demonstrates antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and antiparasitic properties.
Coal tar was discovered around 1665 and used for medical purposes as early as the 1800s. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Coal tar is available as a generic medication and over the counter. In the United Kingdom 125 ml of 5% shampoo costs the NHS about £1.89. In the United States a month of treatment costs less than $25 USD. Coal-tar was one of the key starting materials for the early pharmaceutical industry.