Why do we creosote wooden poles, transmission poles and telephone poles?

Wooden poles have to be chemically treated to ensure they withstand the harsh environments in which they are located. Transmission poles can be installed in some very harsh environments, for example in the desert. These wooden poles must be able to withstand high winds, scorching sun and the constant barrage of sand. The main way in which we can protect these wooden poles is creosote impregnation. This process is simple yet effective creating creosoted wooden poles. The chemical creosote increases the life expectancy of wooden poles to 40 years and is the main choice for the majority of country authorities. Telephone poles in the UK and Ireland are also generally treated with creosote much to the dislike of some environmental campaigners who complain that the oil based chemical is harmful to the environment.