Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood that rises with smoke when combustion occurs. The substance travels up the chimney and when exposed to cold air and water, condenses on the chimney lining. There are three stages to creosote buildup. In stage one, creosote is a flaky deposit that can be easily brushed away. Stage two is where creosote builds up and has a tar-like consistency that requires more specialized removal. Stage three is when creosote hardens and becomes most challenging to remove. 

          A well known cause of chimney fires, creosote can catch on fire when hot cinders and smoke rise through the chimney flue. In the United States, there are approximately 25,000 chimney fires a year resulting in over $125 million dollars in property damage.

          Creosote is also highly toxic and a known carcinogen, or cancer causing substance. Long term exposure to creosote can cause serious health conditions. Ingesting creosote can result in a burning sensation of the mouth and throat as well as liver and kidney disease. Studies have shown that when rats and mice are fed large amounts of wood creosote at one time they have convulsions and die. A similar study shows that when rats are fed similar amounts of creosote over a long period of time they develop kidney and liver problems and die. Exposure is also linked to cornea damage, skin and scrotum cancer, seizures, mental disarray, and death. 

          C.A.R.D. is designed to make cleaning chimneys more practical and safe. By making chimney cleaning more accessible, our hope with C.A.R.D. is to reduce the damage caused by creosote and save lives. 

          

​