Final answer:
Creosote is a brownish-yellowish oily substance that is generally considered very persistent and is obtained from the distillation of coal tar. It is used as a wood preservative and has a strong characteristic odor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Creosote is a brownish-yellowish oily substance that is generally considered very persistent. It is obtained from the distillation of coal tar and is commonly used as a wood preservative. Creosote is used in the railroad industry to treat wooden crossties and has a strong characteristic odor. It is also highly toxic and can cause serious health effects if ingested.