Apparently creosote can be produced from wood-tar or coal-tar. Check out Wikipedia on this. The wood-tar version has been used in food and medicines, the coal-tar version for wood preservative. " ... the coal-tar variety, having stronger and more toxic properties, has chiefly been used as a preservative for wood". You may wish to wear gloves and a mask if sanding on stocks that may contain creosote. I believe I bought a couple gallons at Canadian Tire just before it was taken off the market in Canadaicon.---I am currently a cancer survivor who used to wash his hands in the solvent tank in the shop.