[GBlist] NEWS On CCA-Treated Wood

[Sarah Holland/David Foley <hollandfoley@acadia.net>]

FYI:

> ARSENIC: Wood treated with pesticide to be phased out
> Wood treated with chromated cooper arsenate (CCA), an arsenic-based pesticide,
> will be phased out in the next two to three years, under a pending agreement
> between the U.S. EPA and the wood-preservative industry.
> The wood, used to build decks, playgrounds and fences across America, is
> treated with CCA to protect it from insects and rotting. Under the agreement,
> expected to be finalized within weeks, manufacturers would surrender their
> licenses to use CCA, a known carcinogen, and cut production under graduated
> caps. The two-to-three-year window would allow manufacturers to switch to
> alternative treatments.
> Although the EPA banned the usage of most arsenic pesticides years ago, it
> made an exception for treated wood. A study released last year by the
> Environmental Working Group and the Healthy Building Network confirmed that
> most lumber sold at home improvement stores nationwide is treated with unsafe
> levels of arsenic ( Greenwire
> <http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/searcharchive/test_search-display.cgi?q=arsen
> ic&file=%2FGreenwire%2Fsearcharchive%2FNewsline%2F2001%2FNov8%2F11080107.htm>,
> Nov. 8, 2001). And independent investigations have shown that arsenic from
> newly treated wood can become cancer threats, especially to children.
> The EPA would not advise homeowners to remove existing decks or other
> structures made with the treated wood. Instead, the agency would suggest
> regular painting and coating to reduce any arsenic risks (Peter Eisler, USA
> Today <http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20020131/3817012s.htm>, Jan. 31). --
> MV 

-- 
Holland & Foley Building Design L.L.C.
232 Beech Hill Rd.
Northport, Maine 04849 USA
p: (207) 338-9869 f: (207) 338-9859 e: hollandfoley@acadia.net


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