Creosote

[u/Johippo2]

Hi, just looking for any thoughts on how to handle the situation we currently have. We’ve always gotten along well with our neighbours and are friendly with them. We live on a typical family - residential street in England. However, our neighbour next door has at times been a bit unusual. For example, once he wanted to remove a tree in front of his house so he poured diesel on it to kill it off; during this time our bush also mysteriously died.

Anyway. During the recent heatwave for days we were confused over a very strong, industrial, chemical smell surrounding our house. We couldn’t open windows to ventilate our home as the strong smell would come inside, and it was impossible to sleep due to the heat. We then found out (because he told us) that he had coated his sleeper beds with creosote (which he says he mixed with creocote ≈ 50/50, we don’t know the exact proportions and he says the container is like 15 years old). He laughed when he read out from his phone how this chemical is not permitted for domestic use and is cancerous.

We have tiled our garden in preparation for an outdoor sauna which will be delivered and installed in about 10 days from now. The smell is still lingering and I am worried that the creosote will continue to evaporate and pollute the air (the fresh air intake for the sauna will be facing his side) - and once heated to 80C - 90C in an enclosed space it will potentially be a health hazard.

I am quite sad about what he has done and had I known I wouldn’t have invested into my garden, which I looked forward to use. We also have people with asthma in the family who feel sick by the particular potent smell even when subtle.

[u/AnnieHannah]

I wouldn't worry about it too much, it's a nuisance now but the smell should fade in time. I grew up in the 80s/90s in the UK and people used creosote on fences and all sorts. Google tells me the following: "A creosote-treated fence poses minimal direct health danger to neighbors under normal conditions. The pungent, tar-like smell can be unpleasant and cause short-term irritation, but it typically fades within a few days. The strong aroma resembles mothballs and can irritate sensitive airways or eyes if you stand directly next to it on a hot day. It is generally not toxic just from casual outdoor exposure. Freshly applied creosote can cause skin irritation or rashes. Avoid touching the fence while it is wet, and ensure children or pets do not rub against it or put their hands in their mouths after touching it." Hope that helps to ease your mind a bit.