/oss/taxonomy/term/1640/all en /oss/article/controversial-science-environment-health-news/pine-tar-and-scientific-publications <p>Pine tar has been in the news recently - at least for those who follow baseball.  Pine tar is pretty much what it sounds like.  It is a sticky substance created by heating pine roots and related wood fragments at a high temperature until much of the organic material has been reduced to a host of dark, odorous compounds.  Some of these molecules are even carcinogenic.  Pine tar has a long history of use as a sealant for wood, in roofing materials and even soaps for the treatment of eczema, psoriasis and other skin disorders. Efficacy varies.</p> Mon, 28 Apr 2014 00:50:58 +0000 David Harpp PhD 2136 at /oss