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Evidence of arsenic poisoning symptoms caused by pressuer treated wood first surfaced in the 1960s when workers were beginning to get ill. The environmental groups pushing for a more strict arsenic-treated wood policy found the EPA''s claims to be based off of lawsuit avoidance methods. Christie Whitman, EPA Administrator said at the time of the announcement that, "This is a responsible action by the industry. Today''s action will ensure that future exposures to arsenic are minimized in residential settings. The companies deserve credit for coming forward in a voluntary way to undergo a conversion and retooling of their plants as quickly as possible. The transition to new alternatives will provide consumers with greater choice for their building needs."
Still, there are a lot of loopholes in the arsenic phase out. Not only
are the structures that contain arsenic-treated wood permitted to remain,
but also there are no disposal methods for the arsenic treated wood. The
wood ends up getting put into unlined landfills, resulting in environmental
arsenic contamination. Some families unknowingly turn the arsenic wood into
mulch, allowing the arsenic contamination process to occur.
Companies are beginning to transition from pressure treated wood to other
alternatives in light of the EPA announcement to phase out arsenic-treated
wood containing products for consumer use by January 1, 2004. Pressure treated
wood contains arsenic, which has been identified as a human carcinogen long
ago. Especially a concern for children, arsenic- treated wood is found in
decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, gazebos, residential fencing,
patios, walkways/boardwalks, and play structures. When arsenic is inhaled,
ingested, or absorbed through the skin it can result in death or other arsenic
poisoning symptoms, especially toxic with children.
Pressure treated wood using arsenic, an effective poison for hundreds of years, was used in deck construction for many years but is no longer sold for residential use. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned most uses of arsenic as a pesticide...
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