{"id":8621,"date":"2016-08-11T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-08-11T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/blog\/creosota\/"},"modified":"2023-05-29T12:00:46","modified_gmt":"2023-05-29T10:00:46","slug":"creosote","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/creosote\/","title":{"rendered":"What is creosote?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Creosote<\/strong> is a chemical product that is sometimes used as a wood preservative due to its preserving properties. However, it is also a <strong>residue that we encounter when we light our fireplace<\/strong>, as the combustion of wood produces this substance, which adheres to the walls and must be handled with care due to its high toxicity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Creosote can enter the body through the skin<\/strong>, lungs, or mouth if proper measures are not taken to clean the chimney. <strong>The health effects can be very serious,<\/strong> as prolonged exposure is associated with certain types of cancer. That is why the European Union does not allow the use of creosote as a wood preservative.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contenidos:<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a10c66c757c9\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a10c66c757c9\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/creosote\/#How_creosote_forms_in_a_chimney\" >How creosote forms in a chimney<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/creosote\/#How_to_reduce_creosote_buildup_in_a_chimney\" >How to reduce creosote buildup in a chimney<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/creosote\/#Need_to_clean_the_chimney\" >Need to clean the chimney<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/creosote\/#Types_of_creosote\" >Types of creosote<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/creosote\/#Vegetable_creosote\" >Vegetable creosote<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/creosote\/#Coal_tar_creosote\" >Coal tar creosote<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/creosote\/#Creosote_as_wood_combustion\" >Creosote as wood combustion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/creosote\/#Differences_between_creosote_and_soot\" >Differences between creosote and soot<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/creosote\/#Creosote\" >Creosote<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/creosote\/#Soot\" >Soot<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_creosote_forms_in_a_chimney\"><\/span>How creosote forms in a chimney<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When wood is burned, various types of acids are generated. These acids combine with the moisture released by the logs and heat, forming the waste known as creosote, which adheres to the walls and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">doors in chimneys<\/a>. If too much accumulates, especially in the flue, combustion becomes more difficult and the <strong>chimney<\/strong> does not function properly. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the interior of the chimney as clean as possible if we want it to perform at its best.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_reduce_creosote_buildup_in_a_chimney\"><\/span>How to reduce creosote buildup in a chimney<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>We cannot prevent our chimney from generating residues when we use it. However, it is possible to reduce the amount of creosote. To prevent excessive creosote buildup, simply open the damper of the chimney to the maximum when lighting it and keep it open for a few minutes. The wood will burn slightly faster, but the vapors will burn off sooner, reducing the moisture content.<\/p>\n<p>It is also important to use well-dried firewood. When the logs have not been properly treated, there may be moisture inside them, which increases the chances of creosote forming in the chimney.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2657\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/lena-min-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"creosote\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/lena-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/lena-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/lena-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/lena-min.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><br \/>\nInstalling a door is a way to better isolate the chimney, reducing the humidity inside the fire and ensuring that the residues remain only there. The chimney draft is maintained at a higher temperature, which is also beneficial since the creosote does not harden and does not adhere to the walls, resulting in a smaller amount of soot accumulated.<\/p>\n<p>Some chemicals facilitate the removal of creosote if there isn&#8217;t too much of it. For example, chimney sweeping powder, which is applied when the chimney is still hot, generates vapor that dries and removes the residues, causing them to fall into the base or tray to be removed.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3501 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/creosota-2.jpg\" alt=\"creosote\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/creosota-2.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/creosota-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/creosota-2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Need_to_clean_the_chimney\"><\/span>Need to clean the chimney<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As mentioned before, creosote is highly harmful to health. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s important to pay attention to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-clean-a-fireplace\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">how to clean a chimney<\/a> to avoid getting poisoned. Protective elements such as gloves and a mask should be used to prevent any dirt from entering through the skin or respiratory tract. It is preferable for the mask to be disposable, and for both the gloves and the clothing used to be washed separately from other garments to avoid transfer.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_creosote\"><\/span>Types of creosote<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are three forms of creosote, and both can be harmful to human health and the environment if not handled properly, as they contain toxic and potentially carcinogenic compounds.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vegetable_creosote\"><\/span>Vegetable creosote<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It is a thick, oily liquid with a dark yellow or brown color obtained from the distillation of wood, especially wood from trees such as beech and pine.<\/p>\n<p>Vegetable creosote contains numerous chemical compounds, such as phenols and cresols, and is mainly used as an antiseptic, expectorant, and disinfectant in traditional medicine. It is also used for wood protection against fungi and insects.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Coal_tar_creosote\"><\/span>Coal tar creosote<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It is a byproduct derived from the distillation of coal tar, a viscous and dark liquid obtained from the carbonization of coal. Coal tar creosote also contains compounds such as phenols and cresols, but in different proportions than vegetable creosote.<\/p>\n<p>This substance is commonly used as a preservative and wood protector in construction, especially in railway sleepers and utility poles, due to its fungicidal, insecticidal, and water-repellent properties.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Creosote_as_wood_combustion\"><\/span>Creosote as wood combustion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In this case, it is a byproduct of incomplete wood combustion. When wood is burned in a fireplace, gases and particles are released which, upon cooling, condense on the inner walls of the chimney, forming a buildup of creosote.<\/p>\n<p>This accumulation of creosote in chimneys can be dangerous as it is flammable and can cause chimney fires if proper cleaning and maintenance are not performed. Creosote can also block the chimney, reducing combustion efficiency and causing the release of smoke and toxic gases into the house.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, it is important to regularly clean and maintain wood-burning chimneys to minimize creosote buildup and reduce the risk of fires and associated health problems.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border:none;\" title=\"Problema Frecuente y Peligroso en Chimeneas (CREOSOTA y Todo lo que Necesitas Saber) by mixim89\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ysbM1pziaH0?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Differences_between_creosote_and_soot\"><\/span>Differences between creosote and soot<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Creosote and soot are two different byproducts generated from the combustion of organic materials such as wood, coal, or oil. Although both can accumulate in chimneys and heating systems, they have distinct properties and compositions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Creosote\"><\/span>Creosote<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As mentioned earlier, creosote is a byproduct of incomplete combustion of wood and is formed when the released gases and particles condense on the inner walls of the chimney. Creosote is a sticky, thick, and oily substance, with a dark brown or black color.<\/p>\n<p>It contains a complex mixture of organic compounds, such as phenols, cresols, and tars. Creosote is flammable and can cause chimney fires if it accumulates excessively.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, it is toxic and can be harmful to health and the environment if not handled properly.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soot\"><\/span>Soot<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Soot is a solid byproduct of incomplete combustion of materials containing carbon, such as wood, coal, or oil. It consists mainly of fine particles of black carbon, along with small amounts of organic and inorganic compounds.<\/p>\n<p>It accumulates as black powder or flakes on the inner walls of chimneys, exhaust ducts, and heating systems. Although soot is not as flammable as creosote, it can cause problems in ventilation systems, reducing their efficiency and causing the release of smoke and toxic gases inside the house. Moreover, inhaling soot particles can be harmful to health, especially for the lungs and respiratory system.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Creosote is a chemical product that is sometimes used as a wood preservative due to its preserving properties. However, it is also a residue that we encounter when we light our fireplace, as the combustion of wood produces this substance, which adheres to the walls and must be handled with care due to its high [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3495,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"What is creosote? What types are there? differences with soot","_seopress_titles_desc":"We tell you what creosote is, how it is found in the chimney, its dangers and the types and differences that exist with soot.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[626],"tags":[321],"class_list":{"0":"post-8621","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-chimneys","8":"tag-clean-chimney"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8621"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8621\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9517,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8621\/revisions\/9517"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3495"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}