NEWS    RECALLS    COMPLAINT FORM    SCAM ALERTS   RESOURCES  
Small Claims Guide   Class Actions   Lemon Laws   FAQ   Newsletters  
Bookmark and Share


Complain about a product or service

Automotive    Education    Employment    Electronics    Family    Finance    Health    Homeowners    Insurance    Pets    Shopping    Travel     Print This     Email This    



NEWS   Latest |  Archives |  Auto |  Cells, etc. |  Computers |  Financial |  Health |  Homeowners |  Parents |  Privacy |  Scams |  Seniors |  Travel

Dangers of Treated Wood Documented





February 10, 2003
A report prepared for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that millions of children and adults face an increased risk of bladder and lung cancer from playing and eating on wooden playground sets and decks.

It is the first formal acknowledgement by a federal agency that there are serious health risks associated with the pesticide-treated wood that's been in common use in playgrounds and residential decks since the 1970s. The pesticide used to repel termites and other pests contains a form of arsenic, a known carcinogen, which "bleeds" from the wood.

The pesticide is being phased out beginning next year but its effects will be felt for years.

The report estimates that from 2 to 100 individuals per one million will get bladder or lung cancer from their exposure to the arsenic. Children are at the most risk of exposure, since they are more likely to put their hands in their mouths after touching the wooden surfaces.

The cancers generally take decades to develop so many of those exposed as children will not become ill until they are adults.

The report recommends that parents require their children to wash their hands after playing on wooden playground sets and recommends that eating be discouraged on or near arsenic-treated wood.

Nearly all wooden decks, landscaping timbers and playground sets are treated with the arsenic-containing substance. Cedar and redwood resist rot and termite infestation without being treated but they are not used as frequently because of their much higher cost.

The CPSC and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are testing various sealants that might be used to make existing structures safer.

The CPSC will use the scientists' report to consider whether additional safety measures should be taken. Recommendations could range from regular applications of sealant to removal of existing playground sets.

Safety Measures

In the interim, there are several steps consumers can take to minimize risks from arsenic-treated wood:

  • Don't burn it. Wood used as landscaping timbers, fence posts or in decks and playgrounds should never be burned in a fireplace, furnace or outdoor fire, as burning releases arsenic into the air, water and soil. Consumers should contact local government agencies to find out how to dispose of the wood.
  • Require that children wash their hands after playing on wooden playground sets.
  • Don't serve food on or around treated wooden structures.
  • If buying wood for a construction project, check with the manufacturer to ensure that it is free of arsenic. Consider using cedar or redwood instead.
  • If buying playground equipment, consider using aluminum structures.





CONSUMER NEWS

SAFETY RECALLS

Back to the top | News Index

Advertisement


Custom Search
AUTOMOTIVE
• Dealers
• Manufacturers
• Service
• Extended Warranties
• Lemon Laws
• Recalls
• Tires
• Transporters

FAMILY
• Aging
• Children, Parenting
• Recalls
• Dating
• Education
• Entertainment
• Pets
• Weddings
FINANCE
• Annuities
• Banks
• Credit Cards
• Debt Collection
• Debt Counseling
• Insurance
• Investing
• Loans
• Mortgages
• Payday Loans
• Student Loans
• Tax Prep

HEALTH
• Doctors
• Drugs, Pharmacies
• Health Clubs
• Hearing Care
• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Nutrition, Diets
• Vision Care
• Weight Loss
HOUSE & HOME
• Appliances
• Cookware
• Furniture
• Home Improvements
• Lawn & Garden
• Movers
• Pools & Spas
• Realtors, Rental Agents
• Recalls
• Utilities

ELECTRONICS
• Cable TV/DBS
• Cameras
• Cell Phones
• Computers
• Home Electronics
• Internet Access
• Local Phone Service
• Long Distance
• VoIP
SHOPPING
• In-Home
• Online
• Retail Stores
• Sporting Goods
• Supermarkets
• Telemarketers

TRAVEL
• Airlines
• Bus Lines
• Car Rental
• Cruises
• Hotels
• Travel Agents
• Trains

RESOURCES
• Class Actions
• Complaint Form
• Small Claims Guide
• Lemon Laws
CONSUMER NEWS
• Latest News
• Automotive
• Telecom
• Financial
• Health
• Homeowners
• Scams
• Seniors
• Travel
• More ...

RECALLS
• Automotive
• Children's Products
• Drugs
• Food
• Household Products
• Sporting Goods

ABOUT US
• FAQ
• Privacy Policy
• Advertise With Us
• Newsroom
• Syndication
• Terms of Use

Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use

Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.

Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.

For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice.  ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof. 

Copyright © 2010 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc.  All Rights Reserved.    The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission.