Is Coal tar pitch safe for babies and kids?
Context-dependent for kidsInfants are more vulnerable to Coal tar pitch than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What is coal tar pitch?
Also known as: вар, Brai, high-temperature coal tar pitch, Садовый вар.
- CAS number
- 65996-93-2
Risk for babies
Context-dependentInfants are more vulnerable to Coal tar pitch than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentRegulatory consensus
1 regulatory bodyhas classified Coal tar pitch.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDC Assessment | — | Suspected endocrine disruptor |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter coal tar pitch
- Consumer Products — various
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Coal tar pitch:
-
Green chemistry
Trade-offs: Requires R&D investment to redesign synthesis routes; may reduce yield or throughput initially; long-term benefits include reduced waste treatment costs, regulatory compliance, and worker safety; 12 Principles of Green Chemistry framework available.Relative cost: 2-5×
Frequently asked questions
Is coal tar pitch safe for kids?
Infants are more vulnerable to Coal tar pitch than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What products contain coal tar pitch?
Coal tar pitch appears in: various (Consumer products).
What should I do if my child is exposed to coal tar pitch?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
See Coal tar pitch in the baby app
Look up products containing coal tar pitch, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (1)
- PubChem (2026) — database
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →