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Coal tar

CAS 8007-45-2

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Also known as: coal tar, coal-tar

What it is + why it's regulated

Coal tar is a thick, dark liquid byproduct created when coal is heated without air, often used in industrial settings like roofing, paving, and as a sealant for driveways and parking lots. It's also found in some medicated shampoos and skin treatments for conditions like psoriasis or dandruff. California's Proposition 65 has listed coal tar since 1988 because it contains chemicals that can cause cancer. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) includes it on the Proposition 65 list based on scientific evidence showing it may increase cancer risk with long-term or high exposure. This doesn't mean you'll get cancer from occasional use, but it's a heads-up to limit unnecessary contact, especially for products you use often. For more details, visit the California OEHHA Proposition 65 list at https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list. This summary draws on public regulatory data; the linked source is authoritative.

Authoritative source

Issuing body: California Proposition 65
Primary register: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list

Always verify each fact at the primary register before acting on it.

What this is NOT

ProductGuru is an INDEX of public regulatory data, not a primary source. This page is not medical, occupational-health, or legal advice. Every claim above is drawn from the issuing-agency register linked. Inclusion in our index is not endorsement, condemnation, or hazard assessment.

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