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Article: Hazards of pressure treated wood.(Health Risks and Environmental Issues)
- Article from:
- Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients
- Article date:
- August 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 The Townsend Letter Group. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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"Pressure treated" lumber is the euphemistic term for wood treated with extremely dangerous chemicals that are toxic to humans and the environment. Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) gives "treated" lumber a green color. Ninety percent of outdoor wooden structures are made with "pressure treated" wood. It is used for decks, fences, raised garden beds, children's play equipment, picnic tables, and pet houses. (1) Would consumers have been so eager to purchase "pressure treated" wood for home projects if it were accurately labeled "arsenic treated" wood?
Pentachlorophenol (penta) and creosote are toxic chemicals used in treating wood for commercial use such as ...