On Fri, 11 May 2001, Bob Harrison wrote:
> I have never used creosote bottoms boards nor do I plan to in the
> future but several beekeepers have wanted me to ask the list a
> question.  A large area beekeeper had around 2000 bottom boards of
> his own design coated with cresote at a local( out of business now)
> cresote plant.

Given that coal tar products can be used as insecticides, and that
coal tar creosote is what is used as a wood preservative, I'd be
*very* apprehensive about using creosote in an apiary operation.  Coal
tar creosote may have insecticidal properties.

Also, keep in mind that the International Agency for Research on
Cancer (IARC) and the EPA both suspect coal tar creosote of being a
human carcinogen.

For more information:

    http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts85.html

--
James Ralston, Pittsburgh, PA, USA