Internationally, creolin also corresponds to the trade name of other disinfectant products for example by Mark Cansick Co, in addition to the same William Pearson (chemicals).
Its use was multiple: in the field of medicine (specifically as a hospital grade disinfectant) in the animal husbandry and veterinary sector.
In the field of motor restoration works, creolin (and the vapors of the same) is used to return to the original condition of the casting of oil-stained aluminum parts.
[2] In 1889, Professor Georges Dujardin-Beaumetz of Paris France published in The Therapeutic Gazette an essay entitled "Prophylactic Hygiene Lecture V.- On Disinfectants": While extolling the virtues of some new remedies, it will not be amiss to call attention to the drawbacks and disadvantages of another new drug, which of late has become quite popular, viz., creolin.
Another disadvantage is that it renders everything with which it comes in contact so soapy that it materially interferes with the firm hold on instruments and parts to be operated upon.
That creolin is by no means a harmless agent, but can give rise to serious intoxication, has been amply proved by the publications of Rosin and Cramer.
[5] In 1915, Parcher's Drug Store was advertising creolin alongside such staples as Pyrox, Lime and Sulphur, Hellebore, Paris Green, Kerso, Blue Vitriol, Arsenate of Lead, Carbonal, Pine Tar, Sheep Dip, Chloride Lime, Rosin, Bi-Sulphide Carbon, Copperas, Washing Fluid, Sulpho Napthol, Sprayers, Cow Ease, Roach Powder, Moth Balls, and Nyals Family Remedies.
From 1942, "due to urgent necessity of disinfectants for the needs of the Eastern Front of WW2", creolin production was expanded to hundreds of tons per annum.
[8] In 2015, Iranian academics at Mazandaran University performed a Nosocomial infections study on the "Efficiency of some disinfectants (Cidex, Deconex, and Creolin) against E.coli".
The main toxicity of this product is that of phenols, which are non-specific cellular toxins causing damage to the gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal and neurological systems.
Central nervous system toxicity from exposure to a high concentration phenol containing cleaning product appears to be rapid in onset.
[19][20] Creolin is commonly used as tar water in spiritual cleansing rituals performed by Voodoo, Hoodoo, Santeria and some Afro-American religion practitioners.
The 21st century American study of Vearrier et al. listed a number of undesirable uses of creolin, such as: bathing pets, deodorant, or for delousing hair.