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The removal of creosote from soil and water can greatly improve the quality of life for animals, plants and people who live near toxic sites. In order to remove creosote from the elements, creosote-treated wood must be removed from the area as well, as it is the wood treatment process that causes the pollution of air, soil and water.
Removal initiatives are underway in numerous sites where creosote is causing a danger to the ecosystem and the population. In Washington State, treated wood products are being replaced with steel or concrete pilings in Puget Sound ferry terminals. This creosote-treated wood was presenting a danger to the salmon population; the new materials present no danger to the ecosystem.
An important element of creosote removal involves disposing of the creosote-treated wood in a place and way that the creosote will not re-enter the environment. Once creosote enters the environment, it seeps into air, soil and water, posing a potential threat to anyone who breathes in particles, has skin contact with the chemicals, or consumes food or water that is polluted with the compound. Creosote exposure has been linked to skin, liver and respiratory problems. It has also been identified as a probable carcinogen, making removal of the toxic compound essential.
Creosote-polluted soil is excavated, thermally treated and deposited in another site after it is incinerated. Usually, the method of removal depends on the level of contamination in the soil. Highly contaminated soil will be incinerated, while soil with lower levels of creosote contamination is transported to a controlled or municipal landfill.
Removal of creosote must be done in a controlled environment to prevent it from seeping into water systems and to prevent particles from getting into the air. Trucks used to remove the creosote from a toxic area must be washed thoroughly to prevent dried materials from flying off and polluting other areas, and the water used to wash the trucks must be cleaned before it flows into storm sewers in order to avoid getting into groundwater and perpetuating the pollution. Removal trucks are also sealed before leaving removal sites.
Creosote also often builds up in chimneys of residential fireplaces. This buildup presents a fire hazard and must be removed before it gets too thick. Professional chimney sweeps are often hired to clean the creosote residue on an annual basis. Numerous products are also on the market to assist in home creosote removal.
During the winter months, many people will start trying to heat up their homes. Wood burning stoves has become a more popular way of providing heat, but there are ways of preventing creosote buildup by burning a hot fire for 15 to 30 minutes. In addit...
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