The answer to whether one can safely consume tar is unequivocally no. Tar is a complex chemical substance that is inherently toxic to the human body and is not intended for ingestion. Derived primarily from the industrial processing of coal or petroleum, this viscous material contains numerous compounds known to cause immediate and long-term health damage. Even small amounts can initiate a rapid, severe reaction.
Defining Tar: Sources and Composition
Tar describes dark, thick, highly viscous hydrocarbon materials originating from two main industrial sources: coal and crude petroleum. Coal tar is a byproduct of the destructive distillation of coal, used to produce coke or coal gas. It is chemically distinct from petroleum-derived products and has a distinctive creosote smell.
Petroleum-derived tar, often called asphalt or bitumen, is the heavy residue left after crude oil is refined. Asphalt is the dominant material used in road paving and roofing. While both coal tar and asphalt are black and sticky, both contain harmful hydrocarbon compounds despite their varying chemical compositions.
Acute Ingestion Risks and Symptoms
Ingesting tar presents an immediate poisoning risk due to the presence of hydrocarbons and toxic agents. Initial contact causes severe pain and chemical burns to the sensitive tissues of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. This corrosive action can lead to swelling, making it difficult to speak or swallow, and potentially resulting in tissue necrosis.
Once swallowed, the toxic compounds cause severe gastrointestinal distress, including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Blood may appear in the vomit or stool, indicating damage to the gastrointestinal lining. A significant danger is aspiration of the substance into the lungs, which can occur during ingestion or vomiting. Aspiration triggers chemical pneumonitis, a severe lung inflammation causing breathing difficulty and potential permanent lung damage. Systemic absorption of hydrocarbons can also affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, seizures, or loss of alertness.
Long-Term Health Concerns and Carcinogenicity
Tar ingestion poses a significant risk for chronic health issues, mainly due to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are naturally present in coal tar and crude oil, and several are classified as known or probable human carcinogens. These toxic substances do not break down easily and can be absorbed by the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.
Once absorbed, PAHs can damage the body’s DNA, initiating processes that may lead to cancer. Exposure to PAH mixtures has been linked to an increased risk of cancers affecting the lung, bladder, and gastrointestinal tract. Benzo(a)pyrene is a potent PAH shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Chronic exposure can also damage the liver and kidneys, potentially resulting in jaundice or anemia.
Emergency Response and Exposure Management
If tar or a tar-containing product is ingested, seeking immediate medical help is necessary. Contact a local emergency number or the national Poison Help hotline for guidance. Provide the poison control center with specific information about the substance ingested, the quantity, and the time of exposure.
Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless a healthcare provider or poison control specifically instructs it. Inducing vomiting increases the risk of aspirating the toxic material into the lungs, which can be severely damaging. If the affected person is not experiencing difficulty swallowing, a medical professional may advise giving them a small amount of water or milk. If the person is vomiting, seizing, or has a decreased level of alertness, nothing should be given by mouth.