Wood preservation these pressure treatments routinely protect wood for 40 years in most applications. Creosote was the first wood preservative to gain industrial importance more than 150 years ago and it is still widely used today for protection of industrial timber components where long service life is essential. Creosote is a tar-based preservative that is commonly used for utility poles and railroad ties (UK: railway sleepers). Creosote is one of the oldest wood preservatives, and was originally derived from a wood distillate, but now, virtually all creosote is manufactured from the distillation of coal tar. Creosote is regulated as a pesticide, and
Tar "Burmese Oil" or "Burmese Naphtha", is also a form of petroleum. Oil Sands, almost exclusively produced in Alberta, Canada is colloquially referred to as "Tar Sands" however the oil sands is composed of bitumen. Note, similar heavy crude grades from Venezuela are not referred to as "Tar Sands" by Wikipedia or the environmental community. In Northern Europe, the word "tar" refers primarily to a substance that is derived from the wood and roots of pine. In earlier times it was often used as a water repellent coating for boats, ships, and roofs. It is still used as an additive in