ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Coal tar

Alright kiddo, let me explain coal tar to you in a way that you can easily understand.

Coal tar is a type of black, gooey substance that is made from coal. When coal is burned, it produces a lot of smoke and other gases. Some of these gases are captured and turned into a sticky, black substance that we call coal tar.

Coal tar is used for many different things. One of the most common uses for coal tar is in the production of asphalt, which is used to pave roads and driveways. Coal tar is also used in some medicines, such as creams and ointments that are used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

While coal tar has some useful applications, it can also be dangerous. This is because coal tar contains a lot of chemicals that can be harmful to humans and the environment. For example, coal tar contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to cause cancer and other health problems.

That's why it's important to handle coal tar carefully and to dispose of it properly. It's also why scientists and engineers are working hard to find safer and more sustainable alternatives to coal tar.
Related topics others have asked about: