Coal tar

Coal tar is the liquid by-product of the distillation of coal to make coke. The gaseous by-product produced by this process is commonly known as town gas.

Related Topics:
Distillation - Coal - Coke - Town gas

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Coal tar is very viscous brown or black liquid, with smell of naphthalene and aromatic hydrocarbons.

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It can be made into coal tar soap, and is used in medicated shampoo to kill and repel head lice and as a treatment for dandruff and psoriasis. Coal tar is also used to treat eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and other skin disorders. .

Related Topics:
Soap - Shampoo - Head lice - Dandruff - Psoriasis

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Some of these preparations are available only with your doctor's prescription. Others are available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of coal tar for your medical condition.

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Coal tar is available in the following dosage forms:

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• Topical Cleansing bar (U.S.)
• Cream (U.S. and Canada)
• Gel (U.S. and Canada)
• Lotion (U.S. and Canada)
• Ointment (U.S. and Canada)
• Shampoo (U.S. and Canada)
• Topical solution (U.S. and Canada)
• Topical suspension (U.S. and Canada)

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, coal tar is a Group 1 carcinogen.

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