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Studies indicate Pressure-Treated Wood may impact human healthPress Release
[North Haven, Connecticut] Studies conducted under the guidance of Dr. David Stilwell at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven and reported by the Connecticut Department of Health indicate that pressure-treated wood may significantly impact human health. The levels of arsenic in pressure-treated wood are high enough to cause an increased risk of cancer or other long-term health problems, according to the report. Environment and Human Health, Inc., a leading Connecticut environmental group, is holding a press conference at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford on Tuesday, May 1, 2001 warning the public about long-term health hazards associated with pressure-treated lumber and recommending procedures to avoid them. "Pressure treated wood is impregnated with both copper and arsenic (CCA) and this is what causes the hazardous exposures," EHHI President Nancy Alderman noted. "Anyone involved in the manufacture, sales or construction process of pressure-treated wood is exposed to the arsenic, while everyone at the consumer level—from builders of outdoor structures to children climbing on playscapes or eating at picnic tables—is also at risk of arsenic exposures." Pressure-treated wood does not rot or become infested with insects because the lumber is commonly pressure-soaked in the pesticide chromated copper arsenate (CCA) before it comes to the market. The arsenic and copper are not locked in the lumber and continue to leach out—particularly the arsenic. While CCA protects the wood from deterioration and thus prolongs the life of outdoor wood structures, such as decks and children's play equipment, it is also a common source of toxicity in our environment and can be easily ingested, especially by children. Schools may have a significant amount of CCA on their playgrounds. The Department of Health warns that special precautions should be taken when sawing or sanding pressure-treated wood, as airborne sawdust containing arsenic can be inhaled. The public is also being advised that vegetables grown in gardens bordered by pressure-treated wood may contain high levels of arsenic. A fact sheet on CCA-treated wood is available the Connecticut Health Department's web site at http://www.state.ct.us/dph/Publications. For more information about the studies on pressurized wood conducted at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, visit their website at: www.caes.state.ct.us or call the toll free number 877-855-2237. |
Pressure-Treated WoodPress Releases | |
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